Which among the following Acts was regarded as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?

The correct answer is Government of India Act, 1919.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1919 is popularly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, named after Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Chelmsford (then Viceroy of India).
• This Act introduced the concept of diarchy (dual governance) in the provinces, where subjects were divided into "reserved" and "transferred" categories.
• It marked an effort to gradually introduce self-governance in India under British rule.
• The Act also expanded the legislative councils at both the central and provincial levels, providing limited franchise based on property, tax, and education qualifications.
• The reforms were a response to the growing demand for Indian participation in governance, especially after the promises made during World War I.

Additional Information

• Diarchy: The provincial subjects were divided into two categories:
  • Reserved Subjects: Administered by the Governor with his executive council (e.g., finance, police, and revenue).
  • Transferred Subjects: Administered by Indian ministers responsible to the legislature (e.g., education, health, and local self-government).
• Central Legislative Council: The Act increased Indian representation in the central legislature, but it retained ultimate control in the hands of the British.
• Franchise Expansion: The Act introduced limited franchise based on property ownership, taxation, and education, restricting participation to a small percentage of the population.
• Criticism: Nationalist leaders criticized the reforms for being inadequate and failing to meet the aspirations of the Indian people for full self-governance.
• Historical Context: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms followed the Montagu Declaration of 1917, which promised "increasing association of Indians in every branch of the administration" and "progressive realization of responsible government in India."