The Government of India Act of 1921, also known by the name Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, is a landmark in Indian constitutional history. It aimed to improve Indian participation in government and set a framework for British India’s future. This article will examine the Act’s provision, its social-political background, its implementation and its implications.
1. History
Context of the Act
- World War IThe First World War (1914-1918), had a profound effect on British India. A greater Indian involvement in governance was demanded by the war due to Indian manpower and resources.
- National MovementThe Indian nationalist movement had gained momentum with leaders such as Mahatma Ghandi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and others advocating self-governance.
- Commissio de 1917The Montagu Declaration in 1917 led to the recognition of reforms as needed, paving the way for the 1919 Act.
Key Players
- MontaguEdwin Montagu was then the Secretary of State for India and he promoted reforms.
- ChelmsfordLord Chelmsford (then Viceroy of India) was involved in the formulation and implementation of the Act.
2. Government of India Act 1919: Features and Key Features
Dyarchy System
- Dyarchy: IntroductionThe Act introduced dual governance in the provinces. This system is marked by a division of responsibilities between Indian ministers elected by Indians and British officials who were appointed.
- Subjects:
- Transfer of SubjectsHealth, Education, and Agriculture (elected Ministers).
- Reserved SubjectsLaw and order (under British control), revenue and justice
2.2 Legislative Councils
- Expanding CouncilsThe Act increased the size both of the Central Legislative Council as well as the Provincial Legislative Councils.
- Central CouncilThe number of members increased from 60 to 144, 42 of whom were Indian.
- Provincial CouncilsEach council consisted of a minimum 50 members with the majority being Indian.
Franchise
- Expansion in the ElectorateThe Act was a limited expansion of the franchise.
- Around 7-10% Indians were eligible to vote.
- Property qualifications limited the electorate to the educated.
Changes in the Central Government
- Council of IndiaThe Act increased the number of Indians in the Council of India and gave them advisory roles.
2.5 Provincial Autonomy
- Minor Provincial AutonomyThe British government tries to increase autonomy of provincial governments while maintaining control over important matters.
2.6 Constitutional Safety Measures
- Emergency ProvisionsThe Act contained provisions for emergencies, and granted the government the authority to legislate during emergencies.
3. Implementation and Impact
3.1 Initial Reception
- Mixed ReactionsThe Act received mixed reactions. Some saw it as a step forward towards self-government, while others, like the Indian National Congress (INC), criticized it for not achieving full self-rule.
- Montagu’s ignorance regarding Indian aspirationsLeaders of Congress believed that the Act didn’t meet the aspirations and needs of Indians.
Political Reactions
- All India Home Rule LeagueThis movement, which pushed for more autonomy during this period, took root.
- Demand MoreGandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement was born out of this dissatisfaction.
3.3 Role in shaping future legislation
- Foundation for Future ActsThe Act laid down the foundations for future reforms, culminating in 1935’s Government of India Act.
4. Limitations and Criticism
4.1 Restricted Franchise
- The Indian majority was excluded from political participation due to the limited franchise.
4.2 Dyarchy Critique
- Dyarchy has been criticized as causing confusion within the governance system. Coexistence between Indian ministers, and British officials led to many tensions and poor administration.
4.3 Inadequate power distribution
- The critics argued that, despite the introduction dyarchy in Britain, the real power was still tightly held by British officials.
4.4 Insufficient Representation
- In the eyes the Indian population, the appointment of a substantial part of parliament continued to undermine its legitimacy.
5. The Legacy of the Government of India Act, 1919
5.1 Empowering Indian Politicians
- After the Act was passed, Indian politicians started to form better political parties and organize themselves. This had a profound impact on Indian politics.
5.2 Moving Toward Independence
- The Act was only a step in the process of achieving complete independence.
5.3 Constitutional Development
- The Government of India Act of 1935 was a more comprehensive act that provided for Indian self-government.
6. The conclusion of the article is:
The Government of India Act of 1929 was a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards self-government. It was criticized for its shortcomings, but it undoubtedly set the stage to future reforms in India and eventually independence. The Act shows the complexity of colonial government and the first steps towards empowerment of Indians.
FAQs
1. What was its main purpose?
The Act was intended to increase Indian participation and introduce a dual administration system through dyarchy within the provinces.
2. What is the Dyarchy introduced in the Act?
Dyarchy, a form of government in which legislative power was divided between Indian Ministers elected by the people and British officials appointed by the British, was an example of a dysarchy.
3. What was the impact of the Act on the legislative councils and the legislature?
The Act increased the size of both Central Legislative Councils and Provincial Legislative Councils. This boosted Indian representation while still maintaining British control.
4. The Government of India Act of 1920 granted India full sovereignty.
The Act didn’t grant Indians complete independence. It was designed to give them limited self-government and it was criticized because it did not meet their aspirations for independence.
5. What was the impact on Indian Nationalism of the Act?
The Act fueled the nationalist and independence movements, resulting in subsequent political actions including the Non-Cooperation Movement.
6. How has the Act influenced future legislation
The Government of India Act of 1937, which expanded self-governance, laid the groundwork for future reforms.
Who was the author of the Government of India Act of 1919?
The Act was written under the direction of Edwin Montagu as Secretary of State of India and Lord Chelmsford as Viceroy of India.
8. What was the importance of the reserved subjects and the transferred ones in a dyarchy regime?
Transferred subjects, however, allowed Indian ministers the freedom to operate but led to confusion and conflict in administration.
9. What impact did the Act have on the political landscape of India?
The Act contributed to the formation and growth of several political parties that advocated for Indian independence.
10. Why was there a limit on the number of franchises under the Act
The franchise was restricted due to educational and property qualifications. This meant that only a very small percentage of people could vote.
This article explains the Government of India Act of 1921, its implications, its reactions, and how it has profoundly impacted India’s journey to self-government. This Act is a central reference point for the study of Indian Constitutional History.
