Which Act introduced the system of Dyarchy in the provinces of India?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — B, Government of India Act, 1919. Based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, this Act introduced dyarchy (dual government) in the provinces — splitting subjects into 'reserved' ones kept with the Governor and 'transferred' ones handed to ministers responsible to the provincial legislature.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) This Act did the opposite at the provincial level — it abolished provincial dyarchy and introduced provincial autonomy instead.  (c) Introduced legislative councils and the portfolio system for the Viceroy's Executive Council — decades before dyarchy existed.  (d) Enlarged legislative councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims — no dyarchy.

Concept: The Government of India Act, 1919 (based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced dyarchy — a dual system of government — in the provinces: subjects were split into 'reserved' (retained by the Governor and his executive council) and 'transferred' (run by ministers responsible to the provincial legislature). It was the first real, if limited, step toward responsible government in the provinces.

State PCS 2022 Q89 — History PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2022 Q89 — History PYQ with Answer