The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, marked a significant milestone in India’s constitutional and political history. Enacted by the British Parliament, this Act introduced several reforms aiming to address Indian demands for increased participation in governance while maintaining British control.
The Government of India Act 1919, passed by the British Parliament, aimed to give Indians more say in governing their own country. It was in effect for ten years, from 1919 to 1929.
Background
- The act was based on a report by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India at the time, and Lord Chelmsford, India’s Viceroy between 1916 and 1921. It introduced constitutional reforms known as the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, or Montford reforms, in 1921.
- The Representation of the People Act of India aimed to ensure that Indians could participate in governing the country. It brought changes to administration at both the state and federal levels.
Features of the Act
- Diarchy means having two governments, one responsible and the other not. This was implemented separately in each state. The subjects were divided into “central subjects” and “provincial subjects,” making it easier to control the provinces.
- Legislative subjects were divided into two types: “reserved” subjects, like law and order, finance, land revenue, and irrigation, and “transferred” subjects, like education, health, local government, industry, agriculture, and excise.
- Regarding legislative powers, the Viceroy could introduce any bill, but the legislature needed the Viceroy’s permission to pass it.
- The Government of India Act established bicameralism in the Central Legislative Assembly, with the lower house having 145 members serving three-year terms, and the upper house, called the State Council, having 60 members serving five-year terms.
- Members of the legislative councils could ask questions, propose adjournments, and vote on parts of the budget, but 75% of the budget was not subject to voting.
- The Secretary of State for India and the Governor-General could intervene in reserved subjects, but their interference in transferred subjects was limited.
- The Governor had access to funds and could override decisions or laws made by ministers in certain conditions. Although legislative councils could propose laws, the Governor’s approval was needed, and the Governor could veto bills and ordinances.
Importance of the Act
- The Government of India Act of 1919 was a significant step towards introducing responsible government in India for the first time. It brought about the concept of provincial self-government and granted more administrative power to the people, reducing government pressure.
- As a result, demands for Home Rule and nationalism were no longer seen as seditious. This Act also increased awareness among Indians about the administrative process, motivating them to strive for Swaraj (self-rule). It was also the first time women had the opportunity to vote, which emphasized the importance of elections and voting.
- The concept of responsible government was introduced through the system of dyarchy.
- It established the first federal government with a unitary bias.
- Elections were held publicly for the first time, leading to increased political awareness.
- More Indians were appointed to administrative roles, handling portfolios like labor and health.
- Some Indian women were given the right to vote for the first time.
Drawbacks of the Act
- The Act expanded centralized and communal representation.
- Voting rights were limited and didn’t apply to many people.
- Governors-General and governors had significant powers to weaken legislative bodies.
- Central legislature seats were allocated based on British perception of a province’s importance, not its population.
- The Rowlatt Acts of 1919 restricted press freedom and movement, despite Indian legislative council opposition.
- Indian members protested against these acts, leading some to resign.
Also Read: Indian Council Act of 1909.