Which of the following statements about Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870 are correct?
- 1. It was the first step that bifurcated Central and Provincial finances.
- 2. Provincial Governments were empowered to administer certain services.
- 3. It attempted to rectify existing imparity.
- 4. It focused on the actual needs of the Provinces.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- AOnly 1 and 2
- BOnly 1, 3 and 4
- COnly 2, 3 and 4
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Viceroy Lord Mayo’s tenure (1869–1872) is remembered for his educational and administrative reforms. For administrative improvement, after correspondence with different administrations, he issued a resolution on 14 December, 1870, which is also called the “Mayo Resolution” or the “Charter of Provincial Governments.” It took the first step that bifurcated central and provincial finances; and while giving some autonomy to provincial governments, it allotted them funds from the central revenue for services like jails, education and medical services, and asked them to administer as they wished. In this way, Mayo promoted provincial autonomy and focused on the real needs of the provinces. In 1871, Mayo focused on financial decentralization and tried to balance the financial problems of the British Empire, which were marked by continuous deficits.