Short essay on the Dual Government as introduced in the Act of 1919

The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced by the British government of India in 1919.

The provision of the Act of 1919 provided for the enlargement of the Provincial Legislative Councils.

Majority of the members of the Councils were to be elected. The powers of the Provincial governments were enhanced by a system of Double Government or by a system of Dyarchy.

Under the system some subjects like finance, law and order, etc. were called ‘reserved’ subjects. These remained under the direct control of the Governor.

‘Transferred’ subjects such as education, public health and local self- government were to be controlled by the ministers. This is all about the system of Double Government or Dyarchy as introduced by the Act of 1919.