dec 23, 1919 - Government of India Act 2 Montagu-Chelmsford 1919

Description:

1. Reserved elections of Muslim, Sikh and Christian reps by own electorate.
Special Electorates for unis, landholders and business interests.

2. 3 members in the Viceroy's Exec Council (portfolios)

3. Bi-cameral structure in Central Legislature:

a) Legislative Assembly (lower house with power to vote/ disagree on govt spending).
{Vithal Bhai was the 1st chair of lower house}
b) Council of State (upper house)

4. Introduced Dyarchy in Provincial Legislature.

a) Reserved Subjects (controlled by British)
b) Transfered Matters (controlled by Indian provincial councils)


5. Direct election was introduced for the first time.

6. Yes, statutory commission will be setup to study the working of the government: simon commission of 1927.

7. Central public service commission was set up in 1926 (on the recommendation of lee commission) headed by Sir Ross Barker.

8. Office of High Commissioner was set up for the agency work, "paid from the Indian Taxes"- which was earlier handled by secretary of state.

9. These reforms came into effect from 1921 when Railway Budget was separated from the General Budget.
{Budget was introduced in 1860 but was allowed to discuss in 1861}

10. Tilak referred to 1919 reforms as "unworthy
and disappointing- a sunless dawn".





The sole purpose of this Act was to ensure Indians of their representation in the Government. The Act introduced reforms at the Central as well as Provincial levels of Government.

Annie Besant, Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal were in favour of this act. Formed a separate group

Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jinnah were against.
Mohd Ali Jinnah left the Congress in 1920

TBC...

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