- The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all women above the age of 21.
- The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
50. Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is not correct: In line with the government policy contained in Montagu’s statement of August 1917, the government announced further constitutional reforms in July 1918, known as Montagu-Chelmsford or Montford Reforms. Women were also given the right to vote, but it was not granted to all women. It was not universal suffrage. It granted a franchise to a limited number of people based on property, tax or education.
Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India Act 1935 extended the principle of communal representation by providing separate electorates for depressed classes (Scheduled Castes), women and labour (workers). Women can also fight in general seats. So, this act gave women reserved seats in the legislature.
