Government of India Act, 1858

Government of India Act, 1858

Government of India Act, 1858 was also known as ‘Act for the Good government of India’.
It changed the designation of the Governor-General of India to that of Viceroy of India. He (viceroy) was the direct representative of the British Crown in India. Lord Canning thus became the first Viceroy of India.
It ended the Dual government scheme initiated due to Pitt’s India act
It ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors.
It created a new office, Secretary of State for India, vested with complete authority and control over Indian administration. The secretary of state was a member of the British cabinet and was ultimately responsible to the British Parliament.