George Frederick Samuel Robinson or Lord Ripon remained India’s Viceroy from 1880-84. This liberal politician is known for many reforms in the internal administration of India.
During his time in India,
Ripon introduced legislation (the “Ilbert Bill,”named for his secretary, Courtenay Ilbert), that would have granted native Indians more legal rights, including the right of Indian judges to judge Europeans in court.
Though progressive in its intent, the legislation was scuppered by Europeans living in India who did not want to be tried by a native judge. In
this Ripon was supported by Florence Nightingale, who also backed his efforts to obtain a Bengal land tenancy bill (eventually the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885) that would improve the situation of the peasants.
Hunter Commission came in 1882 for the purpose of education reforms.
The age for entry in the Civil Services was once again raised to 21 years.
He repealed the controversial Vernacular Press Act, 1878 passed by Lytton in 1882.
Thus, he sat free the native journals from the last restrains on the free discussion of public questions. In 1882, he granted freedom to the Press. He was the founder of local self government in modern India and was fondly called “Ripon, the Good”
Lord Ripon is known to have granted the Indians first taste of freedom by introducing the Local Self Government in 1882.
Lord Ripon is known as Father of Local Self Government in India. This was not enacted by any act; it was a resolution that was passed in 1882.