Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy's authority over his executive council by substituting "portfolio” or departmental system for corporate functioning?

1. The question asks which Act introduced the 'portfolio' or departmental system in the Viceroy's executive council in British India. 2. Prior to this system, the executive council functioned more as a joint consultative body (corporate functioning). 3. The Indian Councils Act, 1861 (Option A) empowered the Viceroy to make rules and orders for the more convenient transaction of business in the council. 4. Lord Canning, the then Viceroy, used this provision to introduce the portfolio system in 1862. 5. Under this system, individual members of the council were placed in charge of specific departments (portfolios), and they could issue final orders on behalf of the council regarding matters within their department. This strengthened the Viceroy's authority and streamlined administration. 6. The Government of India Act, 1858 (B) transferred power to the Crown. The Indian Councils Act, 1892 (C) and 1909 (D) introduced further reforms related to legislative councils.