What was the main reason for the protest against the Simon Commission in 1928?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jun, 2025 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Lack of Indian representation.

Key Points

The Simon Commission, formed in 1927, was an all-European body with no Indian members, which led to widespread resentment among Indians.
It was tasked with reviewing the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, but Indians felt excluded from decisions about their own governance.
Protests against the Commission began when it arrived in India in 1928, with slogans like "Simon Go Back" echoing across the country.
Major leaders, including the Indian National Congress, boycotted the Commission, viewing it as a symbol of colonial arrogance and disregard for Indian aspirations.
The lack of Indian representation in the Simon Commission highlighted the demand for greater self-governance and autonomy, fueling the freedom struggle further.

Additional Information

Simon Commission
- It was officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, formed under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon.
- The Commission was set up to evaluate the constitutional reforms introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919.
- The absence of Indian members in the Commission was seen as a deliberate exclusion, sparking national outrage.
Lala Lajpat Rai's Protest
- During a protest in Lahore against the Simon Commission, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally lathi-charged by the police.
- He succumbed to his injuries later, becoming a martyr for the Indian independence movement.
Government of India Act, 1919
- This Act introduced dyarchy (dual governance) in the provinces, dividing subjects into "Reserved" and "Transferred" categories.
- The dissatisfaction with its limited scope of reforms eventually led to demands for more substantive constitutional changes.
Impact of the Protests
- The protests against the Simon Commission marked a significant moment in India's fight for self-rule.
- It united Indians across political and social lines, strengthening the push for complete independence.