The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

(a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.

(b) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.

(c) Impose censorship on national press.

(d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Butler Committee of 1927 and its Recommendations:

• Objective and Background
  • The Butler Committee of 1927 aimed to improve the relationship between the Indian States and the Government of India.
  • The committee is also known as the Indian States Committee.
• Report and Recommendations
  • The committee submitted its report in 1929, which included the following recommendations:
  • The Viceroy should represent the Crown in all dealings with the States, similar to the new Imperial arrangement for Dominions.
  • Paramountcy must remain supreme and British paramountcy preserves the princely state.
  • No transference of the state should occur without the consent of the Princess.
  • The Committee acknowledged the fear of the Native Princes that their States might pass without their consent under a new Government in British India responsible to an Indian Legislature.
  • The state should not be transferred without the agreement of the Princess.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.