UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 27 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Government of India Act 1919
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectModern History
- TopicConstitutional Development
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeStatement
Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?
1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces.
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims.
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Show answer
Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct because the 1919 Act introduced provincial dyarchy and devolution of legislative authority, while separate electorates for Muslims had already been introduced in 1909.
Analysis
The Government of India Act, 1919, also called the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced important constitutional changes in India. It aimed to increase Indian participation in governance but kept real control with the British.
Statement by statement
1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces — Correct
The Act introduced dyarchy in provinces.
Provincial subjects were divided into reserved and transferred subjects. Reserved subjects like law and order, finance and land revenue were controlled by the Governor and his Executive Council, while transferred subjects like education, health and local self-government were handled by ministers responsible to the legislature.
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims — Incorrect
Separate electorates for Muslims were introduced by the Morley-Minto Reforms under the Government of India Act, 1909.
The 1919 Act did not introduce them for Muslims; it extended separate electorates to other communities such as Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans.
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the Centre to the provinces — Correct
The Act separated central and provincial subjects.
This reduced central control over provinces and allowed central and provincial legislatures to make laws on their respective subjects.
Extra UPSC info
* Government of India Act, 1919 is also known as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
* It introduced dyarchy at the provincial level, not at the Centre.
* It introduced bicameralism at the central legislature for the first time.
* It introduced direct elections, though franchise was limited.
* It provided for a Public Service Commission, leading to the Central Public Service Commission in 1926.
* It provided for a statutory commission after 10 years, which led to the Simon Commission.