Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the key provisions of the Government of India Act 1919
• Discuss the criticisms of the Government of India Act 1919
• Discuss its impact on the constitutional and political developments in India

Introduction

The Government of India Act 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was a significant piece of legislation that marked a step towards self-governance in India. The act's impact was a mix of limited political reforms, increased political awareness, and the laying of the groundwork for future constitutional developments in the country.

Body

Key Provisions of the Government of India Act 1919 were as follows:

• Separation of Subjects: It relaxed the central control over the provinces by demarcating and separating the central and provincial subjects. The central and provincial legislatures were authorized to make laws on their respective list of subjects.
  • It further divided the provincial subjects into two parts–transferred and reserved.
• Introduction of Dyarchy in Provinces: The Act introduced dyarchy for the executive at the level of the provincial government. Dyarchy referred to as the rule of two—executive councilors and popular ministers—was introduced.
  • The reserved subjects were to be administered by the governor, and the transferred subjects were to be administered by ministers nominated from among the elected members of the legislative council.
• Bicameral Legislature at the Centre: The act established a bicameral legislature at the central level, consisting of the Council of States (upper house) and the Legislative Assembly (lower house).
• Extension of Franchise: It granted franchise to a limited number of people on the basis of property, tax, or education.
  • Women were also given the right to vote.
• Extension of Communal Representation: It extended the principle of communal representation by providing separate electorates for Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans.
• Creation of Public Service Commissions: It provided for the establishment of a public service commission. Hence, a Central Public Service Commission was set up in 1926 to recruit civil servants.

Impact on Constitutional and Political Developments:

• Limited Self-Government: The act provided a limited form of self-government by allowing Indians to be elected to legislative bodies. However, real power and decision-making authority were still in the hands of the British officials.
  • At the center, the legislature had no control over the viceroy and his executive council.
• Increased Political Awareness: The introduction of a more representative system and the extension of the franchise contributed to the political awakening of Indians. It led to increased political consciousness and demands for further reforms.
  • However, the electorate was extended to some one-and-a-half million for the central legislature, while the population of India was around 260 million
• Communalization of Indian politics: The act continued the policy of communal representation, which later evolved into separate electorates. This contributed to the communalization of Indian politics, fostering divisions along religious lines.
• Dissatisfaction: The act did not fully satisfy Indian aspirations for self-determination and control over their affairs.
  • The Montford reforms were termed “unworthy and disappointing—a sunless dawn” by Tilak, even as Annie Besant found them “unworthy of England to offer and India to accept”

Conclusion

Despite introducing key concepts like responsible government and a parliamentary system, the act's limited implementation fueled ongoing tensions and catalyzed a trajectory toward further demands for comprehensive constitutional reforms in India.