Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)

 

Topic: Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)
(Continuation of Home Rule Movement Classes - Class 3)

1. Context & Background:

• Shift from "Council Act" to "Government of India Act": Unlike the 1909 Minto-Morley Reforms (Council Act) which mainly focused on increasing Indian membership in councils and introducing separate electorates (for Muslims), the 1919 Act's name signifies fundamental changes to the structure and functioning of the Indian government itself.

• World War I (1914-1918): Britain requested Indian participation. Indian leaders demanded significant political concessions, particularly "Home Rule," in return.

• August Declaration (August 20, 1917): Made by Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India). It promised:

  • Increasing association of Indians in administration.

  • Gradual development of self-governing institutions.

  • Progressive realization of Responsible Government in India as an integral part of the British Empire.

  • This would happen gradually (క్రమానుగతంగా - step-by-step).

• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1918): Based on the August Declaration, Montagu (Sec. of State) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy/GG) prepared a report outlining reforms.

• Act Passed (1919), Implemented (1921): The reforms were enacted by the British Parliament as the Government of India Act, 1919, which came into force in 1921.

2. Key Features of the Government of India Act, 1919:

• (A) Changes in London Administration:

  • High Commissioner for India: A new office created in London to take over some agency functions previously performed by the Secretary of State, reducing the SoS's workload related to trade and supplies. (Powers transferred from SoS).

• (B) Changes in Central Government:

  • Bicameral Legislature: Introduced for the first time at the Centre.

    • Upper House: Council of State (like modern Rajya Sabha).

    • Lower House: Legislative Assembly (sometimes called House of People, like modern Lok Sabha).

  • Executive Council: Indian representation increased. 3 out of 6 members (excluding the Commander-in-Chief) were now to be Indian.

• (C) Changes in Provincial Government:

  • Division of Subjects: Subjects were divided into Central List and Provincial List, marking a step towards decentralization ('Division of Powers'). Provinces could legislate on their list.

  • Dyarchy (Dual Government) in Provinces: Provincial subjects were further divided:

    • Reserved Subjects: Administered by the Governor and his executive council without being responsible to the provincial legislature. Included crucial areas like finance, law and order, irrigation, revenue. (Had funds, no responsibility to legislature).

    • Transferred Subjects: Administered by the Governor acting with Indian Ministers responsible to the provincial legislature. Included areas like education, health, local government, agriculture. (Responsibility to legislature, often lacked adequate funds).

  • Budget Separation: Central and Provincial budgets were separated for the first time. Provinces could enact their own budgets.

• (D) Establishment of Institutions:

  • Public Service Commission: The Act provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission (which was eventually set up in 1926 based on the Lee Commission's recommendation).

3. Summary Points Emphasized:

• The 1919 Act marked a significant shift towards a more structured government framework compared to earlier council-focused reforms.

• Introduced key concepts like provincial Dyarchy and central Bicameralism.

• Began the process of dividing powers/subjects between the centre and provinces.

• Established the principle (though limited) of responsible government at the provincial level through Transferred subjects.

• Created the High Commissioner post and provided for a Public Service Commission.

• Separated central and provincial budgets.