Who headed the 1915 committee to examine the co-operative movement in India?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (D) Sir Edward Maclagan

• In 1915, the Maclagan Committee was appointed under the chairmanship of Sir Edward Maclagan to examine the functioning and progress of the co-operative movement in India.

• The committee's objective was to assess the impact of co-operative credit societies and suggest improvements for rural credit and agricultural development.

• The committee submitted its report in 1915, emphasizing the need to:

  • Strengthen co-operative credit institutions.

  • Train staff for managing co-operatives.

  • Improve regulation and supervision.

• It laid the foundation for a more organized co-operative credit structure in India.

• This report led to the eventual formation of state cooperative departments and later influenced the Co-operative Societies Act of 1919.

• Sir John Simon (Option A) chaired the Simon Commission in 1927, which reviewed constitutional reforms.

• Lord Irwin (Option B) was Viceroy of India (1926–1931) and known for the Irwin Declaration (1929).

• Lord Curzon (Option C) served as Viceroy from 1899 to 1905, best known for the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

• The co-operative movement in India began in the early 20th century with the Co-operative Credit Societies Act of 1904, aimed at addressing the rural indebtedness problem.