 He became minister on 27 March 1923 and five years later in June 1928, he was knighted by the King Emperor, in recognition of his ability as an administrator and his service to the country.He retired from ministership on the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1937 after having held office continuously for 14 years from 1923.During Dutta's period of office as minister he set apart most of his salary for charitable and educational purposes.