Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms;

The Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms or more briefly known as Mont-Ford Reforms were reforms
introduced by the colonial government in British India to introduce self-governing institutions gradually
in India. The reforms take their name from Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India during the
latter parts of the First World War and Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy of India between 1916 and 1921. The
reforms were outlined in the Montagu-Chelmsford Report prepared in 1918 and formed the basis of the
Government of India Act 1919. These are related to constitutional reforms. Indian nationalists
considered that the reforms did not go far enough while British conservatives were critical of them. The
important features of this act were as follows:

1. The Imperial Legislative Council was now to consist of two houses- the Central Legislative Assembly
and the Council of State.

2. The provinces were to follow the Dual Government System or Dyarchy.

Salient Features of Reforms of 1919;

1. The number of Indians in governor general council was increased to three.

2. A Bicemeral central legislature was set up. The lower house was named as Indian legislature
assembly while the upper house was named as the council of state. The indians Legislature
assembly was consisted of 145 members the council of state has 60 members the member of
lower house were elected for 3 years whereas the members of upper house were elected for 5
years.
3. Legislative work was devided into central and provicial subjects provincial subjects included
public health, local self Government education, Irrigation and agriculture.
4. Under the reforms the Secretary of state for India was to get his salary from British Exchequers.
5. The Governor General was given powers to summon prorogue and dissolve the chambers. He
had also the right to address the members.
6. The members of the Governor Generals excutive council were nominated and were nor
responsible to the assembly. Vote of no confidence would not be moved agianst them.
7. While 70 percents member of Legislative assembly were elected and about 30 percent were
nominated by the Governor General and legislative councils durations was only 3 years.
8. The members of both the house were give right to putting interpolation and suppelementary
qusetions of moving resolutions and making motions of adjournment and of intoducing projects
of the legislation according to the Rules.
9. The member were givent the right of freedom of the speech.