Government of India Act 1919

The Government of India Act 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (or Mont-Ford Reforms), was passed to fulfill the British promise of "gradual development of self-governing institutions" in India.

It is named after Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy).

### 1. Key Features: The Birth of "Diarchy"

This Act introduced structural changes that were much more significant than the 1909 reforms:

  • Diarchy in Provinces: This is the most important feature. The provincial subjects were divided into two parts:

    • Transferred Subjects: Administered by the Governor with the help of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council (e.g., Education, Health, Agriculture).

    • Reserved Subjects: Administered by the Governor and his executive council without being responsible to the Legislative Council (e.g., Law and Order, Finance, Land Revenue).

  • Bicameralism at the Centre: For the first time, a bicameral legislature (two houses) was introduced at the central level:

    1. Council of State (Upper House)

    2. Central Legislative Assembly (Lower House)

  • Direct Elections: The Act introduced direct elections in the country for the first time, though the right to vote (franchise) was limited by property, tax, or education.

  • Extension of Communal Representation: The principle of separate electorates (started in 1909 for Muslims) was extended to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans.

  • New Offices: * Established a Public Service Commission (led to the setting up of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926).

    • Created the office of the High Commissioner for India in London.

  • Separation of Budgets: For the first time, Provincial budgets were separated from the Central budget.

### 2. Significance for UPSC & APSC

  1. Responsible Government: It was the first time the British government used the term "Responsible Government" in a legal document.

  2. Provincial Autonomy: By demarcating and separating central and provincial subjects, it laid the early tracks for federalism.

  3. Statutory Commission: The Act provided for the appointment of a statutory commission after 10 years to study its working (this led to the Simon Commission in 1927).

### 3. Critical Analysis (The "Catch")

  • Diarchy was a Failure: The division of subjects was illogical. For example, a Minister had "Agriculture" (Transferred), but the "Irrigation" and "Finance" needed for it were "Reserved" under the Governor.

  • Limited Franchise: Only about 3% of the population had the right to vote.

  • Veto Power: The Governor-General retained massive powers to override the central legislature.

### 4. Quick Revision Table

FeatureDetails
Provincial SystemDiarchy (Reserved and Transferred subjects)
Central LegislatureBicameral (Upper and Lower Houses)
Separate ElectoratesExtended to Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians
First PSCProvision for a Public Service Commission
ElectionsIntroduction of Direct Elections

Comparison: 1909 vs. 1919

Feature1909 (Morley-Minto)1919 (Mont-Ford)
FocusIncrease participation"Responsible Government"
ElectionsIndirectDirect (Limited)
LegislatureUnicameralBicameral at Centre
CommunalismOnly MuslimsSikhs, Christians, etc. added

MCQ Test

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