The act increased the number of additional or non-official members in the legislative councils as follows:
Central Legislative Council: 10 – 16 members
Bengal: 20 members
Madras: 20 members
Bombay: 8 members
Oudh: 15 members
North Western Province: 15
In 1892, out of 24 members, only 5 were Indians.The members were given the right to ask questions on the budget (which was barred in the Indian Councils Act 1861) or matters of public interest but had to give notice of 6 days for it.They could not ask supplementary questions.The principle of representation was initiated through this act. The district boards, universities, municipalities, chambers of commerce and zamindars were authorised to recommend members to the provincial councils.The legislative councils were empowered to make new laws and repeal old laws with the permission of the Governor-General.