Question

Considered the following statements.

The objective of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 was:
1. To give power to the local government.
2. To establish dyarchy in the provinces.
3. The extension of provincial government.
Which of these statements are correct?

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

2 and 3

The Government of India Act of 1919 relaxed the central control over the provinces by demarcating and separating the central and provincial subjects. The central and provincial legislatures were authorised to make laws on their respective list of subjects. It further divided the provincial subjects into two parts—transferred and reserved. The transferred subjects were to be administered by the governor with the aid of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council. The reserved subjects, on the other hand, were to be administered by the governor and his executive council without being responsible to the Legislative Council. This dual scheme of governance was known as ‘dyarchy’. So both statements 2 and 3 are correct.