Appendix 4 - ‘The Pious Clause’

Summary

Section 33 (Resolution 13)

And Whereas it is the Duty of this country, to promote the interests and happiness of the native inhabitants of the British dominions in India, and that such measures ought to be adopted as may tend to the introduction among them of useful knowledge, and of religious and moral improvement. That in the furtherance of the above objects, sufficient facilities shall be afforded by law, to persons desirous of going to, and remaining in India, for the purpose of accomplishing those benevolent designs.

Provided always, that so long as the authority of the local Governments respecting the intercourse of Europeans with the interior of the country, be preserved and that the principles of the British Government, on which the natives of India have hitherto relied for the free exercise of their religion, be inviolably maintained:

And whereas it is expedient to make provision for persons desirous of going to and remaining in India for the above purposes … that where and as often as any application shall be made to the said Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India, within one month of receipt thereof …