Q. ‘The Safety Valve’ theory pertains to which of the following?
Answer: Formation of Congress
Notes: One of the main aims of Hume in helping to found the Indian National Congress was to provide an outlet- a safety valve- to the increasing popular discontent against British Rule. Hume and other English officials and statesmen were afraid that the educated Indians might provide leadership to the masses and organise a powerful rebellion against the foreign government. As Hume put it: “A safety valve for the escape of great and growing forces generated by our own action was urgently needed.” He believed that the Indian National Congress would provide a peaceful and constitutional outlet to the discontent among the educated Indians and would thus help to avoid the outbreak of a popular revolt. But, the 'safety valve theory' has been debunked since then.