Question

Q18) Consider the following statements about the Government of India Act, 1919
i) The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was established under the provisions of this act
ii) Diarchy was introduced at the centre
iii) Bicameral legislature was introduced at the Centre
Which of the following is correct?

• A. a) Only i
  
• B. b) ii and iii
• C. c) i and iii
• D. d) i, ii and iii

Answer 1

The correct option is C c) i and iii

Ans.(c)
During the First World war, Indians had rendered remarkable service to the British government in India. Hence, the English promised some sort of responsible government to the Indians in 1917. Montagu (Secretary of State) issued a declaration in the British parliament. The theme of the declaration was increasing association of Indians in every branch of administration and gradual development of self-governing institutions and responsible government in India. Montagu prepared a detailed report on constitutional reforms in India. The report became the basis for the Government of India Act 1919. Diarchy was introduced in the provinces. According to this, the provincial subjects were divided into Reserved (Ex Finance etc)(which were administered by the Governor & his executive council without being responsible to the provincial legislative council) and Transferred (Ex Local government etc) (which were administered by the Governor with the help of ministers responsible to the provincial legislative council). The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was established in 1921 under the provisions of this act. It is the oldest of the financial committees of the parliament. Bicameral legislature was introduced at the Centre. The Indian legislative council was replaced by a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper house (Council of States) and a Lower house (Legislative Assembly). Majority of members of both houses were chosen by direct election