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 :

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) 1, 2 and 4

Why the answer is (c)

• The 1919 Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces: 'reserved' subjects were administered by the Governor with his Executive Council, 'transferred' subjects by ministers responsible to the legislature.

• Reserved subjects were those the British considered vital to control — administration of justice, land revenue, police, finance, irrigation and the press (items 1, 3 and 4).

• Transferred subjects were 'nation-building' departments — local self-government, education, public health, agriculture, industries — handed to Indian ministers (item 2).

• The scheme was criticised for giving ministers responsibility without funds and was abolished by the 1935 Act.

• Hence 1, 3 and 4, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3: Local self-government was a transferred subject; police was reserved.
(b) 2, 3 and 4: Local self-government was transferred; justice was reserved.
(d) 1, 2 and 4: Local self-government was transferred, not reserved.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.