Government of India Act 1919, Montagu Chelmsford Reforms, Provisions

The Government of India Act 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was a key law passed by the British Parliament to meet rising demands for self-rule in India. It represented an important move toward constitutional reforms and a gradual shift of power from the British to the Indians. 

The Act was a response to the rise of Indian nationalism and the evolving political environment after World War I. It sought to establish a more inclusive and representative government in British India, while still maintaining ultimate British control. 

Montagu Chelmsford Reform

The Government of India Act 1919 was a legislative framework designed to reform British India's governance. It was based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, which was drafted by Edwin Montagu, Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy of India at the time. 

The primary goal of the Act was to introduce a more responsible form of government in India by increasing Indian participation in the administrative machinery while retaining ultimate authority with the British Crown. The Act established a dual governance structure (dyarchy) at the provincial level and a more inclusive legislative framework, but with some limitations.

Government of India Act 1919 - Montagu Chelmsford Reforms Background

In the early 20th century, India faced significant political unrest, with the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All India Muslim League demanding self-governance. The First World War (1914–1918) intensified these demands, as Indians sought political concessions for their support in the war. 

• Economic hardships, high casualties among Indian soldiers, and repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act of 1919, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, further fueled nationalist sentiments.
• Amid this growing unrest, Edwin Montagu's declaration of August 20, 1917, marked a crucial turning point for the Government of India Act 1919. 
• The Montagu Declaration, also known as the August Declaration, of 1917, marked a shift in British policy, aiming for the "gradual development of self-governing institutions" in India to reduce unrest and outline future constitutional progress. 
• This led to the Montagu-Chelmsford Report in 1918, recommending reforms that culminated in the Government of India Act 1919 which came into force in 1921.

Government of India Act 1919 Provisions

The Government of India Act 1919 introduced dyarchy, allowing Indian ministers control over some provincial subjects, while the British retained power over finance and law. The Viceroy held significant authority at the central level, with limited Indian involvement in key areas like defence and foreign policy.

Provincial Government

Under the Government of India Act 1919, the provinces were given more autonomy and introduced a dyarchy system.

• Executive: The Act established the concept of dyarchy at the provincial level, dividing powers between British and Indian ministers.
  • Transferred subjects: Education, public health, agriculture, and local self-government had a direct impact on people's daily lives and were supposed to be handled by elected Indian representatives.
  • Reserved subjects: Finance, law enforcement, and land revenue, remained under the control of British governors. The governors retained considerable power, including the ability to veto decisions and issue ordinances.
  • The secretary of state for India and governor-general can intervene in reserved subjects, but not in transferred subjects.
• Legislature: The Government of India Act 1919 expanded the provincial legislative councils, with 70% of members elected, but key limitations persisted. The dyarchical system restricted Indian control to less critical areas, while essential sectors like finance and law remained under British authority. 
  • The diarchy was implemented in eight provinces, including Assam, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bombay, Madras, and Punjab.
  • Women were granted the right to vote.
  • Legislative councils could propose legislation, but the governor's approval was required. The governor can veto bills and issue ordinances.
  • The legislative councils may reject the budget, but the governor has the authority to restore it if necessary.

Central Government

Under the Government of India Act 1919, the British maintained central control, with the Viceroy and a largely British executive council holding significant power. 

• Executive: There were two lists for administration: central and provincial.
  • Governor-General's Authority: The governor-general controlled reserved subjects, could restore budget cuts, approve rejected bills, and issue ordinances.
  • Viceroy's Central Power: The Viceroy held central executive authority with an eight-member council, where only three Indians had largely ceremonial roles. Key areas like defence, foreign policy, and communications were under his control.
• Legislature: The Council of State (Upper House) had 60 members, 26 nominated by the British government and 34 elected by the provincial legislatures. 
  • The Legislative Assembly had 145 members—104 elected and 41 nominated. The electorate was limited to property owners and taxpayers.
  • Legislators had the authority to ask questions, pass adjournment motions, and vote on parts of the budget, but 75% of it remained unvoted.
  • The Council of State consisted of only male members and served for 5 years, while the Central Legislative Assembly lasted 3 years.
• Secretary of State's Salary: In 1919, the Government of India Act mandated that the Secretary of State for India be paid by the British exchequer.
• High Commissioner for India: The 1919 Government of India Act created the High Commissioner for India in London to represent Indian interests and manage relations with Britain.

Government of India Act 1919 Review

The Montagu-Chelmsford Report of 1919 called for a 10-year review, which led to the formation of the Simon Commission in 1927, chaired by Sir John Simon, to assess the Government of India Act of 1919. The commission was boycotted and criticised by the general public, congress and other groups due to the exclusion of Indians from the commission

The Simon Commission's recommendations resulted in the Government of India Act of 1935, which advanced self-government by establishing a more federal system and increasing Indian participation in governance.

Government of India Act 1919 Outcomes

In 1918, Congress leaders like Tilak and Annie Besant condemned the proposed self-government reform and the Rowlatt Act, 1919 then escalated unrest by restricting civil liberties and nationalist activities.

• Public Reaction: In August 1918, Congress held a special session calling for better self-government. Bal Gangadhar Tilak called the reforms "a sunless dawn," while Annie Besant deemed them unworthy. Some, like Surendranath Banerjea, saw them as progress.
• Repressive Measures: The 1919 Rowlatt Act granted powers to imprison without trial and suspend Habeas Corpus, severely restricting civil liberties and intensifying repression of nationalist activities.

Government of India Act 1919 Drawbacks

Despite its progressive aspects, the Government of India Act 1919 maintained British control over key governance areas, restricted the electorate, and created a flawed electoral system that fostered communalism and centralized administrative power and had several significant limitations.

• Limited Electorate: The electorate was limited to a small, privileged group of people. 
• Flawed Electoral System: The Government of India Act 1919 introduced a flawed electoral system with limited voting rights, which failed to gain widespread acceptance and fostered communalism through separate electorates
• Unequal Seat Allocation: The allocation of seats in the central legislature was based on the 'importance' of each province, such as Punjab's military importance and Bombay's commercial importance.
• British Dominance Over Key Areas: British control remained over defence, foreign policy, and major financial matters. The Viceroy could veto legislation and issue ordinances, ensuring British supremacy.
• Limited Legislative Authority: The central legislature had no control over the Viceroy and his council, while provincial ministers lacked power over finances and bureaucrats, often leading to conflicts and decisions being overruled by governors.

Government of India Act 1919 UPSC PYQs

Question 1: Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2021)

1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all women above the age of 21.
2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Government of India Act 1919 FAQs

Q1. What was the Government of India Act 1919 or Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?

Ans. The Government of India Act 1919 incorporated the reforms proposed by the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, and Viceroy Chelmsford. 

Q2. What was the significance of the Government of India Act 1919?

Ans. The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Councils Act 1919, was a British Parliament act aimed at increasing Indian involvement in government.

Q3. How did the Government of India Act 1919 introduce dyarchy in the provinces?

Ans. Montague-Chelmsford The 1919 reforms introduced dyarchy in provinces by dividing provincial subjects into transferred and reserved categories.

Q4. Who is known as the father of dyarchy?

Ans. Sir Lionel Curtis is widely regarded as the father of Dyarchy. The Government of India Act (1919) established dyarchy as a system of double government for British India's provinces.

Q5. What is the difference between dyarchy and bicameralism?

Ans. Bicameralism divides the legislative council at the centre into the upper house (Council of State) and lower house (Legislative Assembly), whereas in the Dyarchy system, provincial subjects are divided into transferred and reserved subjects.