The period between 1880 and 1884 is often referred to as the golden era of Panchayati Raj during British rule. Who was serving as the Governor-General of India at that time?

The correct answer is Lord Ripon.

Key Points

• Lord Ripon served as the Governor-General of India from 1880 to 1884.
• He is often credited for initiating the local self-government in India, which laid the foundation for Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Ripon’s Resolution of 1882 on local self-government is considered a significant step towards decentralization.
• He also repealed the Vernacular Press Act and introduced the Ilbert Bill, which sought to allow Indian judges to try British offenders.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
  • These are rural local self-government bodies in India, which include Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads.
  • The term 'Panchayati Raj' signifies the system of governance in which Gram Panchayats are the basic units of administration.
  • The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Vernacular Press Act (1878)
  • Passed by Lord Lytton, this Act curbed the freedom of the Indian-language press.
  • It was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882, promoting press freedom in India.
• Ilbert Bill (1883)
  • Introduced by Lord Ripon, it aimed at allowing Indian judges to preside over cases involving British citizens in India.
  • The bill faced strong opposition from the British community in India and was eventually amended.
• Decentralization
  • Refers to the distribution of administrative powers or functions from a central authority to local authorities.
  • Lord Ripon's policies were among the earliest attempts at decentralization in British India.