Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919)

These reforms were proposed by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India. Their aim was to introduce gradual self-governance in India. Key highlights include:

Declaration of British Policy:
In 1917, Montagu announced that the goal of British policy in India was the progressive realization of responsible government in India as part of the British Empire.

Dual System of Governance (Dyarchy):

• Introduced at the provincial level, dividing subjects into two categories:
  a. Reserved Subjects: Administered by the Governor and his executive council (e.g., police, finance, and law).
  b. Transferred Subjects: Administered by elected Indian ministers (e.g., education, health, and agriculture).
• This marked the first time Indians were given significant control over certain areas of governance.

Indian Participation:
More Indians were allowed to participate in the legislative process through increased representation in councils.

Expansion of Legislative Councils:
The reforms expanded the Imperial Legislative Council and introduced a bicameral legislature at the national level:

• The Council of State (Upper House).
• The Legislative Assembly (Lower House).

Franchise:
Limited suffrage was introduced, based on property, education, and tax qualifications. Only about 10% of the population could vote.

Accountability:
The Viceroy and Governors retained overarching powers, limiting the autonomy of Indian ministers.

Government of India Act, 1919

The Government of India Act, 1919, was enacted to implement the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. Key provisions include:

Provincial Dyarchy:

• Provincial subjects were divided into reserved and transferred categories.
• The Governor retained control over reserved subjects, while Indian ministers were given control over transferred subjects.

Bicameral Legislature:

• For the first time, a bicameral legislature was introduced at the national level:
  • Council of State: Mainly composed of nominated members.
  • Legislative Assembly: Had a mix of elected and nominated members.

Franchise Expansion:

• Voting rights were extended, but remained restricted based on property and educational qualifications.

Central Government:

• The central government remained under the direct control of the British, with no dyarchy at the central level.
• The Viceroy retained significant powers.

High Commissioner for India:

• The position of the High Commissioner for India was established in London to represent Indian interests.

Civil Services:

• Recruitment for the civil services was still dominated by the British.

Duration:

• The reforms were set to last for 10 years, after which their impact would be reviewed.

Impact and Criticism:

Limited Autonomy:

• The reforms gave limited autonomy to Indians, as the key areas like law, police, and finance remained under British control.

Franchise Restrictions:

• Only a small fraction of the population could vote, excluding the vast majority of Indians.

Discontent Among Indians:

• Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak criticized the reforms for falling short of Indian aspirations for self-rule.

Rise of Nationalism:

• The dissatisfaction with the reforms fueled nationalist movements, leading to campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22).

Significance:

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms marked the first step towards decentralized governance in British India.

Despite its limitations, the Government of India Act, 1919, laid the foundation for later reforms, including the Government of India Act, 1935, which eventually influenced India’s Constitution.