♤ Act of 1861

o Indians were, for the first time, made a part of the law making process.

 The Viceroy could now nominate a few Indians as non-official members.

o It initiated the process of decentralization by restoring powers to Bombay and Madras Presidency.*

o It provided for establishment of new legislative councils for Bengal, North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP) and Punjab, which were established in 1862, 1866 and 1897 respectively.

o It also gave recognition to the ‘portfolio’ system, introduced by Lord Canning in 1859.*

o It empowered the Viceroy to issue ordinances.*