MONTAGUE CHELMSFORD REFORMS, 1919

Introduction and Context:

Initiated by: Edwin Montagu, Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy
of India (1916-1921).
Legacy Perspective: British desire to leave a lasting legacy of representative
government in India.
Post-WWI Atmosphere: Formal end of World War I in 1919 and the British promise of
greater autonomy to India for its support during the war.
Moderation Approach: Aimed to defuse radical nationalist sentiments through political
reforms and privilege moderate Indian elites.

Main Points of Reforms:

1. Diarchy System:
Introduced in provinces, dividing powers into reserved subjects (under British control)
and transferred subjects (under Indian ministers).
Reserved subjects included defense, foreign affairs, and finance; transferred subjects
included education, health, and local government.

2. Central Legislature:
Expanded legislative councils at both central and provincial levels.
Central legislature became bicameral, consisting of the Council of States and the
Legislative Assembly.
Limited electoral representation; majority members still appointed.

3. Franchise and Electorate:

Extended the franchise to a larger population but far from universal suffrage.
Only a small percentage of the population eligible to vote or stand for elections.

4. Separate Electorates:
Continued the system of separate electorates for different religious communities,
leading to further communalization of politics.
 5. Safeguards for Minorities:
Included provisions to protect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in terms of
representation and safeguards.

6. Expanded Bengal Legislature:

Bengal's Legislative Council expanded to include more property holders, businessmen,
lawyers, and professionals eligible to vote.

Reaction of Political Parties:

1. Indian National Congress:
Mixed feelings; welcomed some aspects but criticized the limited scope and
continuation of the communal electorate system.
Leaders like Gandhi and Nehru expressed reservations.

2. Muslim League:
Welcomed the reforms due to the continuation of separate electorates, seeing it as a
way to safeguard Muslim interests.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah played a key role in this support.

3. Other Parties:
Diverse reactions from regional and smaller parties, ranging from support to outright
rejection.
Some felt the reforms did not go far enough in providing real self-governance.

Significance:
1. Toward Self-Governance:
Introduction of elected representatives marked the beginning of Indian participation in
governance.
Represented a step towards self-governance.

2. Political Awakening:
Prompted Indians to engage more actively in politics.
Laid the foundation for greater political awareness and mobilization.
 3. Critique of Limited Reforms:
Exposed limitations of British intentions in addressing Indian demands for self-
governance.
Contributed to the growing demand for complete self-rule.

4. Communalization of Politics:
Continuation of separate electorates laid the groundwork for later communal tensions
and negotiations surrounding India's partition.

5. Milestones towards Independence:

Imperfect but set the stage for further discussions and negotiations, leading to the
Government of India Act of 1935 and eventual independence in 1947.

Conclusion:
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were a pivotal moment in India's constitutional
evolution and struggle for independence. While they represented progress in Indian
governance, their limitations and communal aspects emphasized the need for more
comprehensive reforms and genuine self-rule.