Montagu - Chelmsford Reforms or Government of India Act- 1919 - General Knowledge of Modern India
During the First World War, it was publicized by Britain and its allies that they were fighting for their national independence. Many Indian leaders believed that India would be granted Swaraj at the end of Britain's war, but the British government had no such intention.
The changes brought about in India's administrative system after the war were the result of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, also known as the Government of India Act, 1919. These reforms made the central legislature bicameral. One of these houses was called the State Council and the other house was called the Central Legislative Assembly. Both houses had a majority of elected members.
Read More History: Mysore Kingdom History - General Knowledge of Modern India
The powers of the central legislature were not changed, except for the establishment of two houses at the center, the members of the executive council, which were similar to ministers, were not accountable to the legislature, meaning they could remain in power regardless of the majority of the members of the legislature. Whether they get the support of or not. The number of Pentia Legislatures was also increased and the elected members were given a majority in them. More powers were given to the provincial legislatures by the dyarchy system used in the provinces.
Under this system, departments such as education and public health were assigned to ministers responsible to the legislature and important departments such as police and finance remained under the direct control of the governor, was done.
In the provinces, the powers of the ministers and the legislatures to which the ministers were responsible were limited. For example, if a minister makes a plan for the spread of education, then the necessary funds will be approved by the governor only and if the governor wants, he could also reject the decision of that minister.
Tags
Modern India