The Government of India Act, 1919 is also known as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

The Government of India Act, 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was an important constitutional reform in British India. It was introduced by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India, with the aim of introducing limited self-government in India.

Key Features of the Government of India Act, 1919:
1. Introduction of Dual Government System: The Act introduced the concept of "Dual Government" in British India, which meant that the central and provincial governments would have separate functions and responsibilities.

2. Expansion of Legislative Councils: The Act expanded the size and powers of the Legislative Councils at both the central and provincial levels. The central Legislative Council was to be enlarged and would include a majority of elected members. The provincial Legislative Councils were also expanded and given more powers.

3. Separation of Powers: The Act aimed to separate the executive and legislative functions. It introduced the concept of "diarchy" where certain subjects were assigned to elected ministers responsible to the Legislative Councils, while others remained under the control of the Governor-General or Governors.

4. Franchise and Representation: The Act introduced limited electoral reforms. It expanded the franchise by lowering property qualifications and granting voting rights to a larger section of the population. However, the right to vote was still limited to a small minority.

5. Provincial Autonomy: The Act granted some degree of autonomy to the provinces. It allowed for the establishment of dyarchy in the provinces, where some functions such as agriculture, health, and education were transferred to elected Indian ministers.

6. Separate Electorates: The Act continued the policy of separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, and other minority communities, which had been introduced earlier under the Morley-Minto Reforms.

Impact and Significance:
The Government of India Act, 1919, marked a significant step towards self-government in India. It provided Indians with a greater role in the legislative process and increased representation in the government. However, it fell short of full self-government and did not satisfy the demands of the Indian National Congress for complete independence.

The Act laid the foundation for future constitutional reforms and paved the way for the Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced further reforms and a more comprehensive framework for governance. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms played a crucial role in shaping India's path towards independence and the eventual establishment of a sovereign nation.