Government of India Act 1919

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In order to hasten the participation of the natives in the government of India, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Government of India Act of 1919 (9 & 10 Geo. V c. 101). The Secretary of State for India, Mr. Montagu, and the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, had prepared the report which served as the basis for the creation of the legislation.

The Act incorporated the idea of a dual form of government (referred to as a "dyarchy") for the major provinces. The rules were a complex set of instructions. For example, the provincial legislative council of each major province acted to monitor the activities of the provincial ministers.

The Act of 1919 also provided for a high commissioner to reside in London, who would represent India their in Great Britain. The Act covered ten years, from 1919 to 1929.

The reforms were the brainchild of Sir Edwin Montagu and Lord Chelmsford. As per the set of reforms, the Imperial and Provincial Councils were to be enlarged and a new system of dyarchy was to be introduced. As per the system, the Viceroy would retain control of areas such as Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communications and the Government responsible to the Provincial Council would control Health and Education. The former were the 'reserved list' whereas the latter 'transfered lists'. Also there was to be a bi-cameral legislature at the centre consisting of the Legislstive Assembly, consisting of 144 members out of which 41 were nominated. There would also be a Council of States consisting of 34 elected and 26 nominated members. Once again the Princely States were used to check the political parties. The Indian National Congress was unhappy at these reforms and termed them as 'disappointing.' A special session was held in Mumbai under Hasan Imam and the reforms were condemned. However, leaders such as Surendranath Banerjea were inclined to accept the reforms, so they left the Congress and formed the Indian Liberal Federation, which played a minor role in subsequent affairs.