The System of dual government (Dyarchy) in the provinces was introduced by which Act of the British Government in India?

The correct answer is Government of India Act, 1919.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced the system of dual government (Dyarchy) in the provinces of British India.
• Under Dyarchy, provincial subjects were divided into two categories: Reserved and Transferred.
• The Reserved subjects (e.g., police, revenue) were handled by the British Governor and his Executive Council, while the Transferred subjects (e.g., education, health) were overseen by Indian ministers responsible to the legislative council.
• This system aimed to gradually introduce Indians into the governance process while retaining British control over key areas.
• The Act marked an important step toward constitutional reforms and eventual self-governance in India, though it faced criticism for its limited scope.

Additional Information

• Dyarchy
  • Dyarchy refers to a system of dual governance introduced in provinces under the Government of India Act, 1919.
  • It was a transitional arrangement, allowing limited power-sharing between British officials and Indian representatives.
  • The system faced criticism for creating confusion and inefficiency in governance.
• Government of India Act, 1919
  • Also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, named after Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy of India).
  • The Act aimed to provide a framework for limited self-government in India.
  • It also expanded the legislative councils and introduced a system of direct elections for some seats.
• Criticism of Dyarchy
  • Indian leaders criticized the system for giving only superficial control over Transferred subjects to Indians.
  • Reserved subjects, which included critical areas like finance and law enforcement, remained under British control.
  • As a result, the Indian ministers lacked real authority and faced frequent interference from British officials.
• Significance of the Act
  • Despite its flaws, the Government of India Act, 1919, was a precursor to later constitutional reforms, including the Government of India Act, 1935.
  • It laid the foundation for a more significant role for Indians in governance and highlighted the need for further reforms.