Question 40 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Modern History

Question

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:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 3, and 4

Strategy: The strategy is to identify subjects based on British control and their importance for power, security, and revenue. 'Administration of justice,' 'land revenue,' and 'police' were critical instruments, always reserved for the British-appointed Governor. 'Local self-government,' being less sensitive, was transferred to Indian-ministerial control. Recognizing these key subjects helps determine the correct classification.

Key Info: The Government of India Act, 1919, enacted due to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced Dyarchy at the provincial level. This system divided provincial subjects into 'Reserved' and 'Transferred' categories:

*   **Reserved subjects** were administered by the Governor and his Executive Council, who were not responsible to the legislature. These were portfolios critical for maintaining colonial control and fiscal stability. Examples included:
    *   Administration of Justice
    *   Land Revenue
    *   Police, Law & Order
    *   Irrigation
    *   Forests
    *   Famine Relief
    *   Relations with Native States
    
    Specific examples and their significance:
    *   **Administration of Justice** -- Encompassed courts, legal administration, and the maintenance of judicial order, integral for imperial authority.
    *   **Land Revenue** -- The main source of colonial finances; revenue collection and land administration were vital and thus reserved.
    *   **Police and Law & Order** -- Directly connected to internal security and the suppression of dissent, fundamental reserved subjects.

*   **Transferred subjects** were managed by ministers who were responsible to the provincial legislative council. These were seen as less sensitive and offered greater scope for Indian participation. These included:
    *   Education
    *   Public Health
    *   Local Self-Government
    *   Agriculture
    *   Fisheries
    *   Medical Services

Specific examples and their significance:
    *   **Local Self-Government** -- Associated with municipal and rural boards, classified as transferred, providing scope for limited Indian administrative experience.

The 1919 Act expanded Indian legislative participation but retained real executive authority over reserved subjects with the colonial administration. Dyarchy was abolished by the Government of India Act, 1935.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, and 4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 4