Overview of Montague-Kempford Reforms

Aug 13, 2024

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Montague-Kempford Reforms Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Educator: Arpita Sharma
  • Focus on Montague-Kempford reforms
  • Handmade notes available for revision on Telegram
  • Aim: Simplify revision process with concise notes

Overview of Montague-Kempford Reforms

  • Key Figures:

    • Edwin Montague: Secretary of State
    • Lord Kempsford: Viceroy (later exchanged with Governor General)

  • Reforms:

    • Known as Montagu-Kempsford reforms or Montquad reforms
    • Constitutional changes aimed at increasing Indian representation in government
    • Enacted by the Government of India Act in 1919; came into force in 1921

Key Features of the Reforms

Provincial Legislative Councils

  • Enlarged size of councils
  • Majority of members elected

Introduction of Diarchy

  • Definition: Rule by two individuals or parties
  • Two houses: Upper House (Council of State) and Lower House
    • Executive was given more powers at the provincial level
  • Diarchy implemented in 8 provinces:
    1. Assam
    2. Bengal
    3. Bihar
    4. Odisha
    5. Central Provinces
    6. United Provinces
    7. Bombay
    8. Madras
    9. Punjab

Voting Rights and Legislative Powers

  • Women granted the right to vote
  • Legislative councils could reject the budget; governors could restore it
  • Legislators enjoyed freedom of speech

Division of Subjects

  • Reserved Subjects: Controlled by the governor (e.g., finance, law, order)
  • Transferred Subjects: Managed by ministers responsible to legislatures (e.g., education, public health)

Central Level Features

  • Central government held control over matters of national importance (e.g., foreign affairs, public debt, laws)
  • Central legislature more powerful and representative
  • Legislative Structure:
    • Upper House: 26 nominated, 34 elected
    • Lower House: 41 nominated, total strength 144
  • Right to vote was restricted; significant gap in voters between houses
    • Lower House: 99,874 voters
    • Upper House: 17,300 voters

Response from Indian National Congress

  • Congress deemed reforms disappointing; sought effective self-government
  • Congress meeting in August 1980 led by Hasan Imam
  • Some leaders (e.g., Surendranath Banerjee) favored accepting proposals and formed the Indian Liberal Federation

Conclusion

  • The Montague-Kempsford reforms were significant in Indian history and politics.
  • Key understanding required for GS paper 1, prelims, and optional history.
  • Engaged students encouraged to provide feedback on the lecture.