Provisions of Government of India Act, 1919

Administration was divided into two lists:

• Provisional Government
• Central Government

A. Provincial Government

Executive

The introduction of dyarchy resulted in the creation of two types of administrators: executive council members and ministers. The executive head of the province was the governor. Subjects were listed on two lists: reserved and transferred. The reserved list was the responsibility of the governor and the members of his executive council. This list covered topics including finance, land revenue, irrigation, and law and order. Subjects within the transferred list fell under the ministers’ authority. Education, local government, health, excise, industry, public works, religious endowments, etc. were among the topics covered.

The governing body answerable to the voters was the legislature, which chose the ministers. The legislative council’s elected members submitted nominations for these ministers. Members of the executive council were not accountable to the legislature, in contrast to ministers. The Governor-General and the Secretary of State had limited authority to make decisions in things under the reserved list; their authority was limited to matters under the transferred list.

Legislature

The legislative assembly at the provincial level was made larger. As of right now, over 70% of the members have been chosen. Both class and communal electorates existed. Voting was also available to some women. For a bill to be passed, the governor has to sign it. In addition, he may enact ordinances and exercise his veto power.

B. Central Government

Executive

The main executive authority was the Governor-General. The central list was handled by the center, and the provincial list was under the provinces. Three Indians were to be among the eight members of the Viceroy’s executive council. The governor general can issue ordinances. Also, he was able to certify laws that the central legislature had rejected.

Legislature

The Legislative Assembly, which was the model for the Lok Sabha, and the Council of State, which was the model for the Rajya Sabha, were established as the two houses of a bicameral legislature. The governor general selected the nominees, who were Anglo-Indians and Indian Christians. Every member had a three-year tenure in office. The lawmakers had the opportunity to vote on a portion of the budget and ask questions. There was just a 25% vote on the budget. The remaining items were not up for a vote.

A bill could not become a law until it was approved by both houses. There were three options available to break any agreement between the two houses: joint conferences, joint sittings, and joint committees. Even when a bill has been approved by both chambers, it still needs the governor general’s approval to become law. Also, he might pass legislation without the legislature’s approval. If he believes a bill would be harmful to the nation’s peace, he has the authority to stop it from becoming law. Any question, motion for an adjournment, or debate in the house might be blocked by him.

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Montagu Chelmsford Reforms is also known as the Government of India Act 1919. Government of India Act 1919 was a British Parliament act that increased Indian participation in national governance. This act was prepared in 1919 on the outline of Montagu Chelmsford Reports (1918). This Reforms was named Montagu Chelmsford Reforms, because during that time, Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State of British India from 1917 to 1922, and viceroy of India Lord Chelmsford (1916-1921).

Government of India Act 1919 indicated the start of India’s accountable government and the end of the dictatorship, in which the ruling class enriched themselves. In this article, we will discuss the Government of India Act 1919, along with its background, features, provisions, advantages, and limitations.