History Tuition» Modern India» From Swaraj to Complete Independence» Congress Ministries in Office (1937-1939)

Congress Ministries in Office (1937-1939)

In all the Congress remained in power in eight provinces for 28 months. During this period it made efforts to work for the benefit of Indians. Efforts were made to protect the peasants from the moneylenders and to improve irrigation facilities. In the United Provinces and Bihar, Tenancy Bills were passed. The Congress Government in Bombay appointed Textile Enquiry Committee in 1937 that recommended a wage increase and health and insurance cover to the worker. The Bombay ministry also introduced an Industrial Disputes Act in November 1938 based on the principles of arbitration to prevent strikes and lockouts.

In the field of civil liberties all political prisoners were released and constructive programme undertaken. Education was promoted especially primary education through the introduction of basic education. Commercial and economic surveys and programmes for village industries were introduced. The Congress Government also joined the efforts to develop planning through the National Planning Committee appointed in 1938 by the Congress President Subhash Chandra Bose.