During the colonial period in India, what was the purpose of the Whitley Commission?
- To review the fitness of India for further political reforms
- To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations
- To draw up a plan for financial reforms for India
- To develop a comprehensive scheme for Civil Services in India
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- In 1929, the government appointed the Royal Commission on Labour with J.H. Whitley as the Chairman and N.M. Joshi and Dewan Chaman Lal as members. The commission was tasked with investigating and reporting on the working conditions of labourers in industrial undertakings and plantations in British India, including their health, efficiency, standard of living, and the relationship between employers and employees. The Royal Commission published its findings in 1931, which included a set of progressive recommendations. However, these recommendations could not be implemented immediately due to the circumstances at that time.
Answer: (b) To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations
