The Indian Universities Commission was a body appointed in 1902 on the instructions of Lord Curzon which was intended to make recommendations for reforms in University education in India.⁣
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Appointed following a conference on education at Simla in September 1901, the Commission was led by Law member Thomas Raleigh. The Raleigh Commission had only one Indian member, Syed Hussain Belgrami.⁣
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This commission submitted its report in 1902 and this followed introduction of a Bill called Raleigh Bill. The Raleigh Bill when became an act, it was called Indian Universities Act 1904.⁣
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In connection with the improvement in the administration and education of Universities the Commission recommended the following:⁣
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I. Reorganization of the administration;⁣
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II. Systematic supervision of the affiliated colleges;⁣
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III. Imposition of more well defined conditions of affiliation;⁣
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While the original university act, 1857 had defined the role of the university as a predominantly examining and degree -according body, this Act of 1904 made an attempt to amend and consolidate its powers. It suggested that universities should also make provisions for offering instructions to their students.⁣
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Gurudas Banerji appointed from court by Lord Curzon, strongly disagreed with its recommendations, which were adopted in the Indian Universities Act of 1904.⁣
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The Viceroy filled with imperialistic design was not in favor of giving any power to the Indians. He concluded the Indian Universities and the colleges were slowly becoming cradle of Propaganda against the Government. So, with an idea to bring the Universities under control, Lord Curzon appointed Raleigh Commission under Thomas Raleigh.⁣
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Hunter Commission vs. Raleigh Commission:⁣
The Hunter Commission of 1882 which was appointed by Lord Ripon left the University education completely and emphasized upon the primary education. On the contrary, the Raleigh Commission excluded the primary education completely and emphasized upon the Higher Education only.⁣