In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following were treated as “Reserved” subjects?
- Administration of Justice
- Local Self-Government
- Land Revenue
- Police
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1, 3 and 4
The Government of India Act 1919 introduced the system of Dyarchy in the provinces, dividing subjects into 'Reserved' (controlled by the Governor and Executive Council) and 'Transferred' (administered by Indian ministers). Reserved subjects were considered more crucial and included Administration of Justice, Land Revenue, and Police, while Local Self-Government was a Transferred subject.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Administration of Justice was a Reserved subject under the control of the Governor.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Local Self-Government was a Transferred subject, administered by Indian ministers.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Land Revenue was a Reserved subject, being a critical financial matter.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Police was a Reserved subject, dealing with law and order.
📝 Short Notes: Dyarchy under Government of India Act 1919
| Category | Reserved Subjects | Transferred Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Governor with Executive Council (British bureaucrats) | Governor with Indian Ministers (elected) |
| Nature | Crucial/sensitive matters | Less critical/nation-building activities |
| Examples | Law and order, Police, Justice, Land Revenue, Irrigation, Finance | Education, Public Health, Local Self-Government, Public Works, Agriculture, Excise |
| Ministers' Responsibility | Executive Council not responsible to legislature | Indian ministers responsible to provincial legislature |
| Purpose | Retain British control over key areas | Gradual Indian participation in governance |
- Dyarchy literally means 'dual government' - introduced as part of Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919)
- System criticized by Indian leaders as it created division of authority and was unworkable in practice
- Abolished by the Government of India Act 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy
Question 3 of 9 Government of India Acts
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