Sunday, March 28, 2021
Montengue-Chelmsford Reform:
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Government of India Act 1919, were a significant set of constitutional reforms introduced by the British government in India. The reforms were the outcome of the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, which was a result of the Montagu-Chelmsford Mission that visited India in 1918 to assess the political situation and suggest reforms.
Key features of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms included:
1. Dyarchy: The provincial subjects were divided into two categories - reserved and transferred. Reserved subjects were to be administered by the Governor and his executive council, which mainly consisted of British officials. Transferred subjects were to be administered by Indian ministers responsible to the legislative council. This system was known as "dyarchy" as there were dual authorities.
2. Central Legislature: The reforms established a bicameral legislature at the center. The lower house, known as the Legislative Assembly, was to be directly elected, and the upper house, known as the Council of State, was to be indirectly elected.
3. Provincial Autonomy: The provinces were given varying degrees of autonomy. They were granted powers to make laws on certain subjects and were allowed to raise and spend revenue. However, the Governors retained certain powers, especially in matters of law and order.
4. Separate Electorates: The reforms continued the system of separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and other minority communities. This provision allowed these communities to vote for their own representatives, which was intended to safeguard their interests.
5. Franchise: The franchise was expanded, allowing a larger section of the population to vote in the legislative elections. However, the right to vote was still based on property qualifications.
6. Public Service: The Act allowed Indians to enter the Indian Civil Service through competitive examinations.
7. Diarchy in Government of India: The central government in Delhi also operated on the dyarchical principle, though with more reserved subjects than the provinces.
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms marked a significant step in the direction of constitutional development in India. However, they fell short of Indian nationalist aspirations for self-government and complete independence. The reforms were implemented in 1921 and remained in effect until further constitutional changes were introduced later.