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1919 Act
1919 Act
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.
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.
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.
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.