Muddiman Committee: Report Feature, Proposed Changes 1919 Act
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Probing 1921 Constitution: Muddiman Committee’s Inquiry
The Muddiman Committee, also known as the Reforms Enquiry Committee, was established to investigate the workings of the Constitution as set up in 1921 under the India Act of 1919. It was set up due to the growing political unrest over the dyarchy issue in the Constitution.
Sir Alexander Muddiman was appointed as the chairman.
Features of the Reports of the Muddiman Committee: Dyarchy Debate and Constitutional Critique
- The idea behind the committee’s appointment was to look into the functioning of the Constitution as established in 1921 by the Indian Council Act of 1919, namely the diarchy issue. The report, which was split into a majority and minority report, was submitted in 1925.
- Majority Report: It claimed that the dyarchy had not been founded. It was composed of officials and supporters and stated that the dyarchy had not been set up. Additionally, they believed that the system hadn’t been given a fair chance, therefore they only suggested small adjustments.
- Non-Official Minority Report: It was the only one to mention the Act of 1919, and claimed that it was a failure. Additionally, it stated that a Constitution that was permanently established and had a mechanism for automatic advancement in the future.
Recommendation of the Muddiman Committee: Muddiman’s Proposals for Indian Changes
- The committee criticized the diarchy and suggested small adjustments to the responsibilities of non-official Indians.
- Recommendations for significant modifications to the Government of India Act of 1919.
Conclusion
The Committee suggested that a Royal Commission be appointed. The Secretary of State for India, Lord Birkenhead, retorted that action would be taken based on the majority report.
