UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 90: History and Culture

During the colonial period in India, what was the purpose of the Whitley Commission?

aTo review the fitness of India for further political reforms

bTo report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations

cTo draw up a plan for financial reforms for India

dTo develop a comprehensive scheme for Civil Services in India

AnswerThe answer is (b).

The Whitley Commission, the Royal Commission on Labour in India, was appointed in 1929 under J H Whitley and reported in 1931. It examined the conditions of industrial and plantation labour and made recommendations on wages, housing, health and industrial relations. Other bodies: the Simon Commission reviewed constitutional reform and the Lee Commission dealt with the superior Services.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Reviewing fitness for further reform was the Simon Commission's task.
(b) Correct: labour conditions.
(c) Financial reform was the work of other bodies, such as the Hilton Young Commission (1926).
(d) The Lee Commission dealt with the Services.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.