Question map
Consider the following statements: The objective of the Montague- Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 was 1. To give more power to the local government 2. To establish dyarchy in the provinces 3. The extension of provincial government Which of these statements are correct?
Explanation
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, enacted as the Government of India Act 1919, aimed to gradually introduce responsible government in India [3]. Statement 1 is correct as the Act transferred subjects like local self-government to elected Indian representatives, thereby empowering local administration [1][t1]. Statement 2 is correct because the defining feature of the reforms was the introduction of 'Dyarchy' in the provinces, which divided provincial subjects into 'reserved' and 'transferred' categories [1][t1][t6]. Statement 3 is correct as the Act enlarged provincial legislative councils with elected majorities and relaxed central control by separating central and provincial subjects, effectively extending the scope and autonomy of provincial governments [1][t1][t2]. Consequently, all three objectives were central to the 1919 reforms, making option 2 the correct choice.
Sources
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 1: Historical Background > Government of India Act of 1919 > p. 6
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Government of India Act, 1919 > p. 509
- [1] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Advent of Gandhi and Mass Mobilisation > 4.2 Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms > p. 44