The First World War significantly changed Indian expectations for greater representation in the government. India had provided considerable support for the British war effort, contributing men, materials, and money. This sacrifice led to stronger demands for political reform, which the British partially acknowledged. 

In 1917, Edwin Samuel Montagu, the then Secretary of State for India, issued the historic August Declaration or Montagu Reforms. British Prime Minister David Lloyd George announced on August 20, 1917, that the “gradual establishment of responsible administration” in India was his government’s goal. As a result, the laws that were enacted are referred to as the Government of India Acts (GOI). The Government of India Act of 1919 was subsequently passed, aligning with the British Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the establishment of responsible administration in India. This shift in British policy was also influenced by the ‘Home Rule’ movement of 1916, which was led by Lokmanya Tilak and Annie Besant.

Provisions of the Government of India Act 1919

• Legislative Powers: Central and provincial legislatures had the authority to legislate on their respective lists of subjects, which were distinct from one another. The Governor served as the executive head of the province.  

• Separation of Budgets: For the first time, the provincial budget was separated from the central budget. This allowed provincial legislatures to enact their own budgets.  
• Introduction of Dyarchy: Dyarchy was introduced in the provinces for the first time. Under this system, provincial subjects were divided into two categories: transferred subjects and reserved subjects. Sir Lionel Curtis, a British officer and writer, is regarded as the Father of Dyarchy.  

1. Transferred Subjects: These subjects were administered by the Governor with the assistance of ministers who were accountable to the Legislative Council. Examples include education, local government, agriculture, health, excise, industry, and public works.  
2. Reserved Subjects: These subjects were administered solely by the Governor and his executive council, who were not accountable to the council. Examples include law and order, irrigation, finance, and land revenue.  

• Introduction of Bicameralism: The act introduced bicameralism at the central level, replacing the Imperial Legislative Council with an Upper House and a Lower House.
• Introduction of Direct Elections: For the first time, direct elections were introduced for both the upper and lower houses, with the majority of members elected through this process. Voting rights were granted to a limited number of people based on property ownership, tax payments, or educational qualifications.
• Viceroy’s Executive Council: The act allowed for the appointment of three Indian members to the Viceroy’s Executive Council, excluding the Commander-in-Chief.
• Extension of Communal Representation: Separate electorates were extended to Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, and other Europeans in India.
• High Commissioner for India: A new position called the High Commissioner for India was established in London, shifting part of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State to this role.
• Public Service Commissions: The act provided for the constitution of a Public Service Commission, which was established in 1926 to recruit civil servants.
• Statutory Commission: It stipulated that the Viceroy would appoint a statutory commission to investigate and report on the performance of this act ten years after its implementation.
• Salary of the Secretary of State: The salary of the Secretary of State, previously paid from Indian revenue, was now to be covered by the British exchequer.

In summary, the act marked a step towards self-governance by increasing Indian representation. However, it was criticized for not going far enough since real power remained with the British. The dissatisfaction with the reforms led to increased demands for complete independence, eventually contributing to the founding of the Non-Cooperation Movement by the Indian National Congress in 1920.  

The Government of India Act 1919 was a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement, reflecting a gradual shift in British colonial policy from direct rule to more participatory governance. However, the limited nature of the reforms highlighted the deep-rooted inequities in colonial administration leading to widespread criticism and setting the stage for further agitation and movement aimed at securing complete self-rule and eventual independence.