Montagu-Chelmsford reforms

Changes to the constitution of India in 1919, whereby Indians obtained greater control in local and some provincial matters such as health, education, and agriculture, while British administrators still controlled finance and law and order. Arguing that the reforms did not go far enough, Indian nationalists organized a concerted noncooperation campaign 1920–22 in protest.

The reforms were put forward by Edwin Montagu (1879–1924), secretary of state for India, and Lord Chelmsford (1868–1933), viceroy of India. They introduced a two-tier structure to Indian government, with provincial governors presiding over an executive council and a ministry. Indian representation was also conceded on the viceroy's council but central control remained firmly in British hands.