Prelims 2021 · Modern History and the Freedom Struggle · Question 42
Consider the following statements:<br/>1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.<br/>2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
2 only
1. Incorrect. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms/Government of India Act, 1919 did not grant universal female franchise above 21 years. Franchise remained limited and property/education-based, and women’s voting rights were left to provincial legislatures.
2. Correct. The Government of India Act, 1935 provided reserved seats for women in provincial legislatures as part of communal/special representation.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.