Indian Councils Act, 1909 could not fulfill the aspirations of the of Indian people. The anger in common man towards the British government was increasing rapidly. The report of Indian Decentralization Commission 1909, transfer of Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi, the beginning of First World War, etc. motivated Indian public movement.
So, on the basis of suggestions of Montague – Chelmsford report on 20th August, 1917, a bill was tabled on May 28, 1919 before the lower house of the British Parliament. The British Parliament passed the bill on December 23, 1919. After getting assent of British emperor, the bill was called the Government of India Act, 1919.
Demerits / Critical Evaluation of the Government of India Act, 1919:
1. The planning of diarchy system was unsatisfactory:
This was an important demerit of this Act. Under this Act there was no division of executive jurisdiction between the governor and his executive council, and the ministers.
All financial rights were kept with governor and his executive members. They, at large, interfered in the way of ministers. There was no harmony among the ministers and the public servants working under them. Arbitrary powers of the governor was the greatest demerit of diarchy.
2. Lack of a strong legislature at the center:
Although, by the Government of India Act, 1919, bicameral legislature was established at the center, yet neither its formation was completely democratic nor it was given enough powers. There were several restrictions over it.
3. Autocracy of Governor – General:
The governor – general was given extensive powers and rights. Entire administration of the country worked under his control. He could interfere in the routine working of the legislative council in pretense of peace and security whenever he wanted. Indians opposed it as they could.
4. Inappropriate expansion of communal election:
Communal election was expanded under this Act, which was an extremely inappropriate step. It was applied for Sikhs, Europeans, Zamindars, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Anglo – Indians and Indian Christians along with Muslims. Intellectuals considered this situation harmful for the entire country.
5. The control of home governance was not satisfactory:
The Indians were demanding for lesser control and interference in home governance in India. But under this Act, the rights of India secretary were not altered and control of home governance remained as it was before.
Importance of Government of India Act, 1919:
Importance of Government of India Act, 1919 is given under the following points:
1. The Government of India Act, 1919 heralded the beginning of responsible government in India.
2. For the very first time, elections to the legislatures were made open for the people and this created political consciousness among the masses.
3. Through the Act of 1919, the Indians came in direct contact with administration for the first time.
4. It was also for the first time that a number of Indian women got right to vote.
5. Many reforms were seen in the central and provincial legislature. They were also extended.
6. Indians got membership and representation in executive councils of governor and governor- general.
7. The powers were decentralized.
8. Indians got opportunity of political training and exposure.
9. The British public servants worked under the control of Indian ministers for the very first time.
10.Under Indian ministers, several far-reaching measures were taken such as enactment of Madras state, aid to Industries Act 1923, the Bombay Primary Education Act, the Bihar and Orissa Village Administration Act, The Bombay Local Boards Act, 1923, etc.
