Under which Act did the individual members of the Executive Council have their own portfolio?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) The Indian Councils Act of 1861

• The Indian Councils Act of 1861 is significant for introducing the portfolio system in British India.

• Under this Act, members of the Viceroy’s Executive Council were assigned specific departments (portfolios) such as home, finance, law, etc.

• This system was introduced by Lord Canning, the then Viceroy of India, to bring administrative efficiency and decentralization.

• It laid the foundation of the modern cabinet system in India, as members began operating with relative autonomy within their own departments.

Information Booster:
• The Act was passed during the tenure of Lord Canning (Viceroy from 1856–1862).
• It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances in case of emergencies.
• Introduced legislative councils at the provincial level.
• The portfolio system helped distribute workload among council members.
• It reversed the centralized governance created by the Government of India Act, 1858.
• It also included non-official Indian members in legislative councils.

Additional Information:
• Option (a) The Indian Councils Act of 1858 –  This Act transferred power from East India Company to the Crown, but didn’t introduce portfolios.
• Option (b) The Indian Councils Act of 1861 –  Introduced the portfolio system under Lord Canning.
• Option (c) The Indian Councils Act of 1892 –  Enlarged legislative councils and allowed indirect election, but didn’t introduce portfolios.
• Option (d) The Indian Councils Act of 1909 –  Also called Morley-Minto Reforms, known for introducing separate electorates, not portfolios.