Understanding the Role of the High Commissioner under the 1935 Act

The Government of India Act, 1935, continued the position of the High Commissioner for India, which was initially created by the Government of India Act, 1919. The High Commissioner was essentially the agent for the Government of India in the United Kingdom, representing its interests there.

Let's examine the proposed duties listed in the statements:

• Statement (a): Procure materials required by the Government of India
• Statement (b): Look after the needs of Indian students in England
• Statement (c): Monitor the work of the Commissioner of Trade in India
• Statement (d): Carry out social reforms in India

Now, let's analyze each statement in the context of the High Commissioner's known functions:

• Statement (a): Procure materials required by the Government of India - This was a primary function of the High Commissioner. He was responsible for purchasing stores and materials needed by the government departments in India from the UK. This statement is correct.
• Statement (b): Look after the needs of Indian students in England - Welfare and educational needs of Indian students studying in the UK was another significant duty of the High Commissioner's office. This statement is correct.
• Statement (c): Monitor the work of the Commissioner of Trade in India - The High Commissioner's office in London dealt with trade and commercial matters affecting India's interests in the UK and internationally. While "monitoring the work of the Commissioner of Trade in India" might be phrased broadly, it aligns with the High Commissioner's overall responsibility in trade-related representation and coordination between India and the UK. This statement is considered correct in this context.
• Statement (d): Carry out social reforms in India - The High Commissioner was based in London and his duties were primarily related to representing India's interests and managing affairs in the UK. Carrying out social reforms within India was a matter handled by the government and authorities within India, not by the High Commissioner in London. This statement is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, statements (a), (b), and (c) describe the main duties of the High Commissioner as retained by the 1935 Act, while statement (d) does not.

Therefore, the correct combination of statements is (a), (b), and (c).