Sir James David Sifton


Sir James David Sifton, KCSI, KCIE, CSI, CIE was the Governor of Bihar and Orissa from 7 April 1932 to 31 March 1936 and then Governor of Bihar from 1 April 1936 to 10 March 1937. He was the first Governor of Bihar after division of province from Orissa. He was a member of the Imperial Civil Service appointed in 1902 and served in Bengal and later in Bihar and Orissa Province.

Early life and education

Sifton was born to Thomas Elgood Sifton and Susanna Sifton on 17 April 1878 in London. The family resided at 53 Shepherd's Bush Green, Shepherd's Bush, London. His father was a clerk in savings bank in Marylebone, Middlesex. He received his early education at St Paul's School, London and went on to complete his higher education from Magdalen College, Oxford. He was a Demy scholar at the college and completed his B.A. in 1901.

Civil Service Career

Sifton joined Imperial Civil Service in 1902 and served in Bengal and later in Bihar and Orissa Province when the province was separated from Bengal presidency. His Civil Service career spanned from 1902 to 1937. During this span he held several positions including Financial Secretary to Government of Bihar and Orissa.

Governor of Bihar and Orissa

Sir Sifton was appointed as Governor of Bihar and Orissa in November 1931 and held the position from 7 April 1932. He was the last Governor of undivided province of Bihar and Orissa. In 1936, the province was divided into Bihar Province and Orissa Province. After division, he continued on his post of Governor of Bihar, making him the inaugural holder of the office of Governor of Bihar. His salary as Governor was Rs. 8,333.5.7 per month.

Other Positions held

Sifton was appointed as a member of the Executive Council of the Governor of Bihar and Orissa in 1927.

Awards and Honours

Sir James Sifton was awarded Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1921, Companion of the Order of the Star of India in 1929, Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1931 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India in 1932.

Personal life

Sir Sifton was married to Harriet May - daughter of E. Shettle, of Eye, Suffolk - on 14 August 1907.