Raleigh Commission 1902, History, Recommendation & Modification

Raleigh Commission

On the Raleigh Commission’s recommendations, the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon, passed the Indian Universities Act in 1904, which increased supervision over Indian universities. Curzon had a goal of suppressing India’s growing nationalism. India failed to implement the Hunter Commission’s suggestions for a good educational system.

The Commission’s recommendations were not followed in India when it came to the educational system. As a result, Lord Curzon tried to enact changes in all aspects of government after being appointed Governor-General of India. This post will examine the Raleigh Commission, which is useful for preparing for the UPSC Exam.

Read More: Hunter Commission

Raleigh Commission History

The Raleigh Commission was established in 1902 with the goal of examining the state and future of Indian universities and offering suggestions for strengthening their structure and operations. The commission was not allowed to make any findings about elementary or secondary education. Based on its suggestions, the Indian Universities Act was passed in 1904.

The Commission was headed by Thomas Raleigh, a member of the Law, and was established after a conference on education was held in Simla in September 1901. Syed Hussain Belgrami was the lone Indian participant in the Raleigh Commission.

The Viceroy, who had an imperialist agenda, opposed granting the Indians any authority. He came to the conclusion that propaganda against the government was gradually being fostered in Indian universities and colleges. So, Lord Curzon selected Thomas Raleigh to head the Raleigh Commission with the goal of bringing the Universities under control.⁣

Read More: Hartog Committee

Raleigh Commission 1902

On January 27, 1902, Sir Thomas Raleigh founded the Raleigh Commission with the intention of assessing the present and future of Indian institutions and offering recommendations for improving their structure and functionality.

It was not possible for the Commission to produce a report on either primary or secondary education. Raising the bar for the system and raising the bar for education in India was the Act’s primary goal. The Commission’s report and recommendations led to the 1904 passage of the Indian Universities Act.

Read More: Macaulay Minute

Raleigh Commission Recommendations

Universities were supposed to prioritise education and research more. The majority of university fellows were to be appointed by the government, and both the number and terms of office of fellows were lowered. The government was given the power to change or approve regulations on its own, as well as to veto university senate regulations. A five-year grant of five lakh rupees was to be made available for the advancement of higher education and universities, along with tighter requirements for the affiliation of private colleges.

Read More: Wood’s Despatch

Raleigh Commission Significant Modification

Despite the fact that there were fewer colleges but much more students, the University Act’s provisions were passed. There can only be between 50 and 100 fellows per university. The Governor-General may now determine a university’s territorial boundaries and the connection between its institutions and colleges. For the universities in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, there will be 20 elected fellows; for the other universities, there will be 15 fellows.

Read More: Education System in British India

Raleigh Commission UPSC

The Raleigh Commission was created to look into the current situation of Indian universities and their prospects for the future, as well as to offer suggestions for improving their internal organisation and operational processes. The 1902 Indian Universities Commission, commonly known by this name, made many significant suggestions. Updates to university curricula, guidance on academics and exams, and state scholarships were among them.

Read More: Judicial System in British India

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