Correct Option
The First Factory Act was enacted in 1881 during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon (1880-1884). This Act was a significant step towards regulating labor conditions in Indian factories. Its key provisions included:
- Prohibiting the employment of children below seven years of age.
- Limiting the working hours for children between seven and twelve years.
- Mandating four holidays per month for children.
- Fixing working hours for women.
- Requiring the fencing of dangerous machinery.
- Authorizing local governments to frame rules for factory regulation and inspection.
Lord Ripon's tenure is notably associated with several progressive reforms, including the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act, the Ilbert Bill controversy, and the promotion of local self-government.
Incorrect Options
- Lord Lytton (1876-1880): His administration is primarily known for the Vernacular Press Act (1878), the Arms Act (1878), and the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The First Factory Act falls outside his tenure.
- Lord Bentinck (1828-1835): As Governor-General, his period is marked by significant social reforms such as the abolition of Sati (1829) and the introduction of English as the medium of instruction. This predates the First Factory Act by several decades.
- Lord Canning (1856-1862): He served as the last Governor-General of India and the first Viceroy of India. His tenure witnessed the Revolt of 1857, the passing of the Government of India Act of 1858, and the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. The First Factory Act was enacted much later.