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1. THE MONTAGUE CHELMSFORD REFORMS (OR) THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT OF 1919

2. Causes for the passing the Government. of India Act of 1919 Disappointment over the reforms of 1909. The re-union of moderates and Extremists(1916) National Movement during the First World War. Home Rule movement. Mesopotamian commission report. Montford scheme.

3. Main provisions of the Act of 1919 The powers of the Secretary of State for India was reduced. The office of the High Commissioner for India was created. There will be eight members in the Viceroy’s Executive Council and among them there should be Indians. The council was divided into councillors(appointed)and ministers(elected). The subjects were divided into reserved and transferred. The reserved subject is headed by councillor and transferred subject headed by ministers. Central legislature had more Powers on reserved subjects,from 144 members 102 members were appointed ie for councillors. The Viceroy had complete control over the finance of India. Only with his consent Money bill were introduced. He was empowered to suspend any bill. He was to protect and look after the welfare of the Indians. He enjoyed emergency powers. He appointed the Chairman of the Legislatures. He controlled the foreign affairs.

4. The Act provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India for the first time.   The Communal representation was extended and Sikhs, Europeans and Anglo-Indians were included. The Franchise (Right to voting) was granted to the limited number of only those who paid a certain minimum “Tax” to the Government (Those people who had property, taxable income and paid land revenue of Rs.3000 were entitled to vote. The Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces.

5. Merits of the Act of 1919 It introduced for the first time, bicameralism and direct elections in the country. For the first time, elections were known to the people and it created political consciousness among the people Some Indian women also had the right to vote for the first time. For the first time, Indians were appointed Ministers as the leaders of elected majority. This was responsible Government although to a very limited extent. It gave training in the art of government

6. Demerits of the Act of 1919 The franchise was extremely limited. In 1920, out of total population of about 25 crore in India, there were 9 lakhs voters for the Lower House and 17,000 for the Upper House. Property qualification to be eligible to vote were pitched very high. Women could neither vote nor stand for election. The Constituencies were grouped on communal basis. The governor could over rule the decision of the Ministers. The Viceroy could over rule his Council The Governor General and the Governor – were not responsible to the Legislature Defective system of Dyarchy .

7. THANK YOU!