SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 70

Answer (1): Dyarchy.
Explanation:

• The Government of India Act, 1919 (also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced the system of 'Dyarchy' at the provincial level. Under this system, provincial subjects were divided into two categories:
• Reserved Subjects: These included important subjects such as law and order, finance, land revenue, and irrigation. These were administered by the Governor with the assistance of his Executive Council, which was not accountable to the Legislative Council.
• Transferred Subjects: These included subjects such as education, health, local self-government, and agriculture. These were administered by the Governor with the assistance of ministers who were accountable to the Legislative Council.
• Option (2) Federation: A federal structure for India was envisaged in the Government of India Act, 1935, not in 1919.
• Option (3) Bicameralism: The Act of 1919 introduced a bicameral legislature at the Centre (comprising the Council of State and the Central Legislative Assembly), rather than a classification of subjects.
• Option (4) Responsible Government: This Act introduced a partially responsible government; however, the classification of subjects is specifically referred to as 'Dyarchy'.

Additional Points:

• The term 'Dyarchy' is derived from the Greek word 'di-arche', which means 'dual rule'.
• This system was not very successful in the provinces; consequently, the Government of India Act, 1935, abolished it in the provinces and made provisions for its implementation at the Centre.

Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
1. Question: Who was the Viceroy of India at the time of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?
Answer: Lord Chelmsford (Montagu was the Secretary of State for India).
2. Question: By which Act was the system of Dyarchy abolished in the provinces?
Answer: By the Government of India Act, 1935.
3. Question: What right was granted to women for the first time by the Act of 1919? Answer: Limited franchise.