UPSC Prelims 2007 · General Studies
Question 64: History and Culture
The first Factory Act restricting the working hours of women and children and authorizing local governments to make necessary rules was adopted during whose time?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The first Indian Factory Act was passed in 1881 under Viceroy Lord Ripon. It fixed working hours for children and rules on safety, for factories with 100 or more workers, and gave local governments power to make rules. Later Acts of 1891 and after extended protection to women. Ripon is also remembered for local self-government in 1882.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Lytton was Viceroy until 1880 and is remembered for the Vernacular Press Act.
- (b) Bentinck was Governor-General in 1828-35, long before factory laws.
- (c) Correct: the first Factory Act (1881) came under Ripon.
- (d) Canning was Viceroy in 1856-62.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2007, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.