British Reforms 1919 – The Government of India Act 1919
British Reforms, 1919 were one of the historic changes during the colonial period. They known as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms or government of India Act, 1919. These related to the constitutional reforms of India during the colonial period. The theory of partial responsibility for India adapted by the British government. These concepts were provided by the Secretary-General Montagu and the Governor-General Chelmsford. Both bureaucrats conducted a meeting with Indian nationalist leaders. The committee prepared a document that come within the effect of 1918 and called as the government of India Act, 1919.
What were the reasons to pass the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?
During World War I, the British armed forces fought the battle as allied forces against Germany and other European countries. It was said that after the end of World War-I Britain will give full independence to India, but the British Government didn’t give freedom. Therefore there some administrative system changes made by the British Government, and called the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms or the Government of India Act, 1919.
Features of the Government of India Act:
- Relaxation was provided to the provinces by separating the central and provincial subjects.
- Provincial Budget and Central Budget separated.
- Government of India Act, 1919 created the political consciousness among general public from the very first time.
- The new office of High Commissioner of India created in London and also transferred him some of the work.
- Franchise policy was now on the limited number of people on the basis of taxation or education.
- The principle of communal representation extended.
