Correct Option (D)
The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals, presented in 1918 and subsequently enacted as the Government of India Act, 1919, were primarily concerned with constitutional reforms in British India. These reforms aimed to gradually increase Indian participation in the administrative and legislative processes. Key features included:
- Introduction of 'Dyarchy' (dual rule) in the provinces, dividing subjects into 'Reserved' and 'Transferred' categories.
- Reserved subjects (e.g., finance, law and order, police) remained under the control of the Governor and his Executive Council, who were accountable to the British Parliament.
- Transferred subjects (e.g., education, health, local self-government, agriculture) were administered by ministers chosen from the elected members of the provincial legislative council, who were accountable to the council.
- Expansion of provincial and central legislative councils with increased elected Indian representation.
These proposals laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments in India.
Incorrect Options:
The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were fundamentally constitutional in nature, focusing on the structure and functioning of governance rather than specific sectoral reforms.
- (A) Social reforms: While social issues existed, the proposals did not primarily address social reforms. Their scope was political and administrative restructuring.
- (B) Educational reforms: Education was designated as a 'transferred subject' under the Dyarchy system, meaning it came under the purview of Indian ministers. However, the proposals themselves were not a blueprint for educational reforms but rather a framework for governance within which education was one portfolio.
- (C) Reforms in police administration: Police administration was classified as a 'reserved subject' under the Government of India Act, 1919, remaining under the direct control of the British Governor and his Executive Council. Therefore, the proposals did not introduce reforms in police administration under Indian ministerial control.