Consider the following statements: The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the 1. Establishment of an All-India Federation to be based on the Union of British Indian Provinces and Princely States. 2. Franchise for all the people above 21 years of age. 3. Power to Governors to veto legislative and administrative measures in their provinces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

The Government of India Act, 1935, proposed an All-India Federation comprising British Indian provinces and Princely States [2]. However, this federation never materialized as the required number of Princely States did not join [4]. Statement 1 is therefore correct. Regarding the franchise, the Act extended voting rights to approximately 10% of the total population based on property, tax, and education qualifications, rather than universal adult franchise for all above 21 years [3]. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect. Under the system of Provincial Autonomy, while provinces were granted legislative and executive powers, the Governor retained significant 'special responsibilities' and discretionary powers, including the authority to veto legislative measures and issue ordinances [4]. This makes statement 3 correct. Consequently, statements 1 and 3 are the only correct provisions among those listed.

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 20: Debates on the Future Strategy after Civil Disobedience Movement > Main Features > p. 404
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 20: Debates on the Future Strategy after Civil Disobedience Movement > Government of India Act, 1935 > p. 410
3. [4] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 60
4. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Government of India Act, 1935 > p. 512