Points to Remember:
- The creation of the District Collector post in India’s administrative structure.
- Key figures in British India’s administrative reforms.
- Understanding the historical context of the post’s establishment.
Introduction:
The District Collector’s post is a cornerstone of India’s administrative system, responsible for overall governance and development at the district level. Its origins lie in the British Raj, a period marked by significant administrative restructuring. Pinpointing the exact individual responsible for its creation requires examining the evolution of the post through various administrative reforms undertaken by different Governors-General and Viceroys. While the post didn’t emerge fully formed overnight, its structure and responsibilities solidified over time. This question requires a factual approach, focusing on historical evidence to determine the most accurate answer.
Body:
Evolution of District Administration under the British:
The British gradually consolidated their control over India through a complex administrative system. Early administrative structures were fragmented and lacked uniformity. Warren Hastings (A) implemented several reforms, but the modern concept of the District Collector didn’t fully emerge during his tenure. Lord Dalhousie (B) focused on infrastructure development and territorial expansion, but the District Collector’s role as we know it today wasn’t his primary focus. Lord Ripon (D) is known for his local self-government reforms, but these were more focused on decentralization, not the creation of the central figure of the District Collector.
Lord Curzon’s Administrative Reforms (C):
Lord Curzon’s tenure (1899-1905) witnessed significant administrative reforms aimed at strengthening the British Raj’s control and efficiency. His focus on centralization and streamlining administration played a crucial role in shaping the modern District Collector’s role. Curzon’s reforms emphasized a strong, centralized administrative structure with the District Collector at its core. He formalized the Collector’s responsibilities, making them the key link between the local population and the British government. While the post existed in some form before Curzon, his reforms significantly defined its powers and responsibilities, solidifying its position as the central figure of district administration.
Conclusion:
While the foundations of the District Collector’s post were laid earlier, Lord Curzon’s administrative reforms (C) are most accurately associated with its formal establishment and the definition of its key responsibilities. Although previous Governors-General contributed to the evolution of district administration, Curzon’s centralization efforts solidified the Collector’s role as the pivotal figure in district governance. Therefore, the most accurate answer is (C) Lord Curzon. Moving forward, understanding the historical context of the District Collector’s role is crucial for effective governance and administrative reforms. A continuous evaluation of the post’s responsibilities and adaptation to the changing needs of the nation is essential for ensuring efficient and equitable governance at the district level, in line with constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
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