Government Act of India 1919

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Government of India Act of 1919, was a key piece of legislation that served as the catalyst for constitutional changes in British India. It established a number of significant changes and signalled a shift from the prior system of government. Here is a more thorough summary of the Act:

 

govt of india act 1919

What was the most important feature of the Government of India Act of 1919?

 

 

1. Introduction of Dyarchy:

 

Dyarchy was first introduced in the Government of India Act, 1919, which marked a significant shift in how British India was governed. Dyarchy, as it was defined in this legislation, was the division of duties and authority between Indian and British ministers in the administration of the province. Here is a more thorough explanation of the term "dyarchy" as it relates to this Act.

 

A. Division of Subjects:

 

The Reserved List and the Transferred List are two lists into which the Act split the subjects of governance.

The subjects on the Reserved List were still governed by the British Governor or Viceroy and his Executive Council. Typically, these topics covered issues pertaining to law and order, finances, the military, and general administration.

The subjects that were transferred to the control of Indian ministers, who would be chosen from the elected members of the Legislative Assembly, were listed on the Transferred List. These topics covered things like local self-government, agriculture, public health, and education.

 

B. Executive and Legislative Councils:

 

An Executive Council and a Legislative Council were present in every region of British India.

British officers made up the Executive Council, which was in charge of the reserved topics. The Executive Council was presided over by the Governor or Viceroy.

On the other side, the ministers from India who were in charge of the reassigned subjects were present in the Legislative Council. These ministers were elected by the Legislative Assembly.

For the management of the transferred subjects, the Indian ministers were collectively answerable to the Legislative Assembly.

 

C. Bicameral Provincial Legislatures:

 

Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly bicameral provincial legislatures were established by the Act. While those who served in the Legislative Assembly were elected, those who served on the Legislative Council were nominated. Legislation pertaining to the transferred subjects could be discussed and approved by the Legislative Assembly.

 

Dyarchy was introduced with the intention of giving Indians a small amount of control over the management of some matters and giving them a taste of self-governance. The reserved subjects, however, continued to be governed by British officials, creating a complicated and frequently burdensome structure of government. While the dyarchy was considered as a step in the direction of Indian self-rule, Indian nationalists still wanted more power over their internal affairs. The Government of India Act, 1935, which increased the number of subjects under Indian rule and moved towards giving the provinces more autonomy, significantly enlarged and modified the dyarchy system.

 

 

2. Provincial Reforms:

 

The Act gave provincial legislatures more authority and responsibilities. The Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly were added to these bicameral (two-house) legislatures. Despite having a restricted vote, the electorate was to choose the members of the Legislative Assembly primarily on the basis of their credentials for property and income.

 

4. Central Legislative Reforms:

 

Additionally, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly were added to the Central Legislature, creating a bicameral body. Elections for the Legislative Assembly and nominations for the Council of State were both required.

   

5. Separation of Powers

 

The Act attempted to divide the legislative and executive branches of provincial administration. Each province had a legislative council with Indian ministers and an executive council with British officers.

 

6. Central Executive

 

A new Central Executive was established by the Act to oversee the administration of some British Indian provinces. The Viceroy, who served as the head of the government, and his council, which included both British and Indian members, made up this bicameral executive.

 

7. Franchise

 

The Act only made a few changes to elections. Based on property requirements, educational requirements, and the payment of taxes, the franchise was only granted to a tiny part of the population.

 

8. Reserved Seats

 

To secure representation for religious minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities, the Act established reserved seats in provincial and national legislatures.

 

9. Public Service Commission

 

The Public Service Commission was created under the Act to regulate the hiring and promotion of government employees. This was a crucial milestone in the Indian civil service's professionalisation.

 

10. Objective of Transfer of Power

 

The Act stated the British government's intention to progressively hand over authority to the Indians while working to erect an accountable government.

 

An important step in India's constitutional history was the Government of India Act, 1919. With some restrictions and reserves, it attempted to give Indians more influence over their administration. It eventually resulted in India's independence in 1947 and set the stage for additional constitutional amendments.