The Montague-Chemsford Reforms of 1919
(1919 Reforms)
Circumstances made the British Government to comeup with reforms for represnetative government by 1919
Edward Montagu as secretary of state for India decided to bring in reforms for further Indian participation in the Government through decision making.
The proposals decided by Montagu as Secretary of state and Chelmford as Viceroy became the Governement of India Act of 1919
In WWI indians helped the British with nearly one milion Indian soldiers serving abroad in Europe and Africa.
The British Government wished to pacify Indian demands for Autonomy
The Viceroy was now to be adviced by six members, three of whim had to be Indians.
The Central legislative council was greatly increased and made into two houses: Legislative Assesembly consisting of 144 members and Council of state or Upper House of 60 members.
The System of 'Diarchy' was introduced at the provincial level with 'reserved' and transfered' subject.
The Provincial councils were given control over Indian education, agriculture, health, local government and public works (Transferred Subjects).
The British retained control over military matters, currency, communication and criminal law (Reserved subjects).
The Franchise for voting was extended but still based on property, qualification and linked to the amount and type of tax paid.
There were reserved seats in all the provincial legislatures for religious groups i.e. Muslims, Sikhs and Indian Christians.
Diarchy meant that power was divided between the Indians and the British but only at the Provincial level.
System of Government
Cerntal government or Fedral government as in Pakistan. The main governing body with all the power in their hands. The Capital
Provincial Government
under the comand of Central Government the sone authorithy is given to all the provinces of the state to run the affairs of their area. they need to take permission for doing all actions from the Central Government.
British Introduced Diarchy at this level
Main power still was in their own hands
Division of the affairs
Transferred subjects
Reserved Subjects
Indian education, agriculture, health, local self government and public works
Military matters, currency, communication and criminal law.
Locals Reaction to 1919 reforms
The Congress Rejects the 1919 Refroms
Although these reformed provided Indians a chance to participate in the administration at the provincial level but there were still alot of demands that were left unfulfilled
Why were these reforms rejected???
The actual power still left with the British Government and most Indians were not ready to accept Diarchy.
Diarchy proved to be problematic as funds made available had to be sanctioned by the British authorities.
The separationn of ministries was not clear as Indian education was with the provinces but Anglo-Christian education was still with the centre.
Indian National Congress rejected them and didnot take part in the first elections held under the Act of 1919.
From 1919 onwards, Hindus and Muslims openly opposed the British.
The Rowlatt Act, 1919
Immediately after the WWI, the British Parliament decided to pass a bill as Bengal, Bombay and Punjab had become areas of revolutionary activity which had to be controlled.
This Act came as a rude shock to the Indians who had done so much to help British in WWI
The Rowlatt Act curbed the freedom of individuals to stand up for liberty of thought and Actions
It allowed imprisonment without trial
Trial by judges without a jury
No right of appeal, cenrsorship and house arrests of suspects
No political activity could take place as meetings and processions were not allowed.
Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Jinnah showed strong opposition to this act.