In the decade following after enacting Indian Councils Act, 1909, the demand for the home rule increased from various quarters especially during World War I. Hence, Government Of India Act, 1919 was enacted in response to the increasing demand for the Home Rule. Let us have a look at some quick facts about the Act:
- Commonly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Report(MCR).
- Proposed some radical administrative changes.
- Became basis for the Government of India Act, 1919 (also known as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms).
- Advocated the need to emancipate local governments and legislatures from the central control.
- Proposed successive steps to be taken in the direction of conferring responsible government in the provinces.
- Central Legislative Council was now to consist of two houses- The Imperial Legislative and the Council of States.
- The provinces were to follow the Dual Government System or Dyarchy.
- Proposed the extension of the communal franchise.
- Reserved subjects - Finance, Law and Order, Army, Police etc.
- Transferred subjects - Public Health, Education, Agriculture, Local Self-government etc.,
- The report stated that there should be a review after ten years. Simon Commission(1927) was responsible for the review which recommended the further constitutional change.