Question

Which Act, enacted in 1919, introduced the system of dyarchy in the provinces of British India?

• A. Indian Councils Act
• B. Government of India Act
• C. Rowlatt Act
• D. Vernacular Press Act

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Government of India Act

The Government of India Act, 1919

• This significant Act, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was enacted by the British Parliament in 1919.
• It aimed to introduce a responsible government in India, a key demand during the nationalist movement.
• Dyarchy was the most prominent feature introduced by this Act. The word 'dyarchy' is derived from the Greek word 'diarche', meaning 'rule of two'.
• Under dyarchy, the provincial subjects of administration were divided into two categories:
  • Transferred subjects: These were administered by the Governor with the help of the elected Indian ministers responsible to the provincial legislative council. Examples included education, public health, agriculture, and local self-government.
  • Reserved subjects: These were administered by the Governor and his executive council, who were not responsible to the legislative council. Examples included land revenue, law and order, justice, and irrigation.
• The Act also expanded the legislative councils, both at the centre and in the provinces. The central legislature was made bicameral, consisting of the Legislative Assembly (lower house) and the Council of State (upper house).
• It also introduced direct elections for the first time in India, though the franchise was limited.
• Dyarchy, however, proved to be a largely unsuccessful experiment due to several factors, including the division of powers, lack of cooperation between ministers and executive councillors, and the Governor's overriding powers. It was later abolished by the Government of India Act, 1935.