Pitt’s India Act of 1784

The East India Company Act of the Pitt’s India Act 1784 was centralised on improving the previous mistakes of the British government when they regulated the act of 1773, which resulted in dual control of British possessions territories in India. An amendment passed the Pitt’s India Act in 1784, and it resulted in binary control of territorial possessions by the East India Company and the British government. The Pitt’s India Act is named after William Pitt, the younger prime minister of Britain when the act was passed. The Pitt’s act of 1784 was also known as the East Indian Company Act of 1784 as it was mainly focused on relieving the British government and companies from getting powerless. The central bankruptcy was also a factor behind Pitt’s act of 1784. This article will give you comprehensive knowledge of the Pitt’s act of 1784 and its relevant importance and role in the formation of the Indian Constitution. 

Pitt’s India act of 1784

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was passed to overcome the diverse effects of the regulating act of 1773. In simple words, the Pitt’s India Act was a revision of the regulating act of 1773, eventually resulting in the control shifting of East India Company in India to the British government. The Pitt’s India Act centralised the appointment of a diverse board of control to work with a joint government of British India and successfully carry out the rule of East India Company and Britain’s government. In addition to that, a six-member board of control was implemented to look after the political activities and commercial activities. The other name given to the Pitt’s act of 1784 was the East Indian Company Act of 1784, as the act was meant to process the failure derived from the regulating act of 1773.

All you need to know about the East Indian Company Act

The East Indian Company Act was passed in the British parliament to improve the defects of the regulating act of 1773. The regulating act was meant to ensure a system favouring companies with all the powers to govern India. The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 successfully established the system to ensure dual control, including the East India Company and the British government. The British government will have complete control over the administration and the company’s affairs in India. When the Pitt’s India Act was signed in 1784, the then prime minister William Pitt got more control under his government. William Pitt believed in holding power and saving the company from the wrath of the regulating act of 1773 can only be done with something that will engage Indian politics like Pitt’s act of 1784. It was a perfect example of keeping the person busy until the final zone.

Provisions of Pitt’s India act of 1784

The provisions of Pitt’s India Act of 1784 is a long list that includes the appointment of 6 private councillors, including a Secretary of State, and a chance to execute the power by forming a board. Further, the world was taken over by the president, who eventually became the minister of the affairs of East India Company very soon after acquiring the post of minister. The provisions of 1784 had a section 3, which refers to the president’s appointment as a secretary of state. If that is not possible, then the chancellor would be appointed as a state secretary, which is also not possible. Then the most senior commissioner available will be the secretary of the state. The chief secretary was appointed as the head of the board. 

The Demerits of Pitt’s India Act

The Pitt’s India Act had certain demerits like the governor-general was facing the masters, and there was no clarity between the boundaries and authorities of both masters. These masters for the East India Company and the British government.

Conclusion

The British parliament passed the Pitt’s India Act to ensure the rectification of mistakes collectively implemented with the Regulation Act of 1773. The British government had a motive to form a dual control government for better control and power division among the Britishers themselves. There were certain provisions and facts associated with the East Indian Company Act, as stated above, to give you a clear and better understanding of the provisions and merits and demerits associated with Pitt’s India Act of 1784.