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Government of India Act 1919 facts for kids

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Government of India Act 1919
Long title An Act to make further provision with respect to the Government of India.
Citation 9 & 10 Geo. 5. c. 101
Dates
Royal assent 23 December 1919
Other legislation
Repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1976
Status: Repealed

The Government of India Act 1919 was an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Its main goal was to let more Indian people take part in the government of India. This Act was based on ideas from a report by Edwin Montagu, who was the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India.

The Act was in effect for ten years, from 1919 to 1929. It was a big step towards India having its own "responsible government." This meant that Indian leaders would have more say and control over how their country was run. The Act was planned to be checked and reviewed by the Simon Commission after ten years.

The King-Emperor officially approved the Act on December 23, 1919. On that same day, he made a special announcement. He explained how this new law built on older laws for India. He said that earlier laws helped set up a system of government and justice. Later laws allowed Indians to hold public jobs. The Act of 1858 moved India's rule from a company to the British Crown. The laws of 1861 and 1909 started the idea of elected representatives. The 1919 Act gave elected Indian representatives a real role in governing. It also showed the way to India eventually having full self-government.

How the Government Worked

The Act set up a special way of governing called "diarchy" in the main provinces of India. Diarchy means a dual or shared system of government.

Dividing Power in Provinces

In each province, some areas of government were called the "transferred list." These areas were given to Indian ministers. These ministers were chosen by and answered to the provincial council. The "transferred list" included things like:

  • Agriculture (farming)
  • Local government (managing towns and villages)
  • Health
  • Education

The provincial councils, which had Indian representatives, were made larger to give more people a voice.

At the same time, other important areas of government were kept under the control of the Viceroy. These were called the "reserved list." The Viceroy was the highest British official in India. The "reserved list" included:

  • Defence (the military)
  • Foreign affairs (dealing with other countries)
  • Communications (like mail and telegraphs)

Changes to the Central Government

The main law-making body for all of India, called the Imperial Legislative Council, was also changed. It became a two-house (bicameral) legislature. This is similar to how many modern governments have two houses, like a Senate and a House of Representatives.

  • The lower house was the Legislative Assembly. It had 145 members. Out of these, 104 were elected by the people, and 41 were chosen by the government. Members served for three years.
  • The upper house was the Council of State. It had 60 members. 34 were elected, and 26 were chosen by the government. Members served for five years.

Key Features of the Act

The Government of India Act 1919 had several important characteristics:

  • It clearly stated that the British government's goal was to slowly bring in responsible government in India.
  • The diarchy system was put in place at the provincial level. This meant some subjects were "reserved" for the British Governor, and others were "transferred" to Indian ministers.
  • The Act separated subjects for the central and provincial governments. Income tax was mainly for the central government. However, Bengal and Bombay provinces could get 25% of the income tax.
  • No law passed by the legislature could become official without the Viceroy's approval. The Viceroy could also pass a law even if the legislature did not agree.
  • The central legislature became bicameral (two houses). The Legislative Assembly (lower house) had 145 members for three years. The Council of States (upper house) had 60 members for five years. These became models for India's future Parliament, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • For the first time, the Act allowed for a Public Service Commission to be set up in India. This commission would help choose people for government jobs.
  • The Act also said that a special commission would be formed after ten years. This commission would check how the new government system was working. The Simon Commission in 1927 was created because of this rule.
  • The right to vote (franchise) was given to a limited number of people. Only those who paid a certain amount of tax could vote.
  • The Act also expanded "communal representation." This meant that specific groups like Sikhs, Europeans, and Anglo-Indians were given their own separate elected representatives.
  • Seats in the legislature were given to provinces based on their importance to the government, not just their population. Having property or a certain income was a main way to qualify for voting. For example, people who paid Rs. 3000 in land revenue could vote.
  • The central legislature had very limited control over money matters. Only about one-third of the budget could be voted on. Even then, the Governor-General could overrule any decision if he felt it was necessary for his duties.

This Act was a step towards giving more power to the Indian people through the diarchy system. It also helped lay the groundwork for India to become a federal country, by identifying provinces as important parts of the administration.

Reactions to the Act

The Indian National Congress, a major political party, did not accept the Act. However, some leaders like Annie Besant, G. S. Khaparde, Bipin Chandra Pal, Surendranath Banerjee, and Tej Bahadur Sapru accepted the Act. They were willing to work with the government. These leaders left the Congress party. Surendranath Banerjee and Tej Bahadur Sapru formed a new group called the Indian Liberal Federation. They were often called "Liberals." Madan Mohan Malaviya also supported the reforms, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah resigned from the Indian National Congress.

See also

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