UPSC Express

With reference to provisions/outcomes of Montague Declaration, 1917, consider the following statements:
1. It provided for the establishment of a responsible government in India.
2. The demand for self-government could not be termed as seditious.
3. It aimed at increasing association of Indians in every branch of administration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.
1 and 2 only
B.
1 and 3 only
C.
2 and 3 only
D.
1, 2 and 3
Explanation :
On 20th August, 1917 Lord Montague, the Secretary of State for India, made the following declaration in British Parliament: “The Policy of His Majesty’s government is that of increasing association of Indians in every branch of administration, and the gradual development of self- governing institutions, with a view to the progressive realization of responsible government in India as an integral part of the British empire.”
Importance of Montagu’s Statement- From then onwards, the demand by nationalists for self-government or Home Rule could not be termed as seditious since attainment of self-government for Indians became a government policy, unlike Morley’s statement in 1909 that the reforms were not intended to give self-government to India.