In the Government of India Act 1919, the functions of Provincial Government were divided into “Reserved” and “Transferred” subjects. Which of the following were treated as “Reserved” subjects?

1. Administration of Justice
2. Local Self-Government
3. Land Revenue
4. Police

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• The Government of India Act 1919, which aimed to increase Indian participation in the country’s administration, was based on recommendations from Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, India’s Viceroy at the time.
• The reforms outlined in this act are referred to as the Montagu-Chelmsford or Montford reforms.
• The act relaxed central control over provinces by dividing central and provincial subjects and granting authority to the central and provincial legislatures to make laws on their respective subjects. However, the government structure remained centralized and unitary.
• The act also categorized provincial subjects into transferred and reserved subjects.
• The governor and executive council were responsible for administering reserved subjects such as law and order, finance, land revenue, and irrigation, without being accountable to the Legislative Council.
• Consequently, all crucial matters were included in the reserved subjects of the Provincial Executive.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.