HC Deb 31 March 1908 vol 187 c306
MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the Native State of Baroda the Maharajah has, with the help of his Ministers, separated the judicial from the executive functions, restored local self-government in the form of the the ancient village Panchayat, instituted primary education, compulsory and universal, throughout the State, and has further instituted the reform of popularly-elected members in the Legislative Council; and, if so, whether the Council of India will consider such reforms, with a view of suggesting to the Viceroy in Council their application to other Native States, and to India as a whole?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. MORLEY,) Montrose Burghs

I am aware of the measures recently introduced in Baroda; their results will be watched with interest, and will be considered in their bearing on Indian administration generally. But I need hardly say that I cannot undertake forthwith to suggest the introduction of similar measures in the whole of British India, and I certainly cannot interfere with the discretion of the rulers of other States.