1a.

Working of Provincial Autonomy in the Non Congress Provinces

Reference:

R C Agarwal: Constitutional Development and National Movement of India Ch 20 pp. 293-295

Role of the Governors in the Congress dominated provinces

In the Congress dominated provinces, the Governors did not interfere too much in the working of
the Congress Ministries, and did not make too much use of their special powers. Some deadlocks
and crises did occur, but they were speedily resolved. Hence the fear that the Governors would
obstruct the working of Provincial Autonomy proved unfounded.

The Working of Provincial Autonomy in the Non Congress Provinces

1. In the Non Congress provinces, the Governor continued to exercise wide discretionary
powers. There was no strong or organized party to challenge their interference. In Punjab
for instance, the government without consulting the Chief Minister of Punjab declared it
would not release political prisoners. In Sindh the Chief Minister Allah Buksh was dismissed
by the Governor, even though he had a solid majority in the Legislature
2. In Sindh, NWFP and Bengal, the Governors tended to favour the Muslim League, despite its
poor showing in the elections.
3. In non-Congress provinces, the presence of the Governor in Cabinet Meetings was at times
welcomed. For instance in Punjab, the Chief Minister Sir Sikander Hayat Khan, declared that
the presence of the governor, with his administrative experience, in Cabinet meetings, was
helpful.
4. In Bengal, Sindh and Punjab the new set up worked for ten years. (unlike the Congress
provinces where it worked for just two years 1937-39).