The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced a significant shift in the governance structure of India by clearly delineating the powers and responsibilities of the central and provincial governments. This act established a dual government system, where certain subjects were reserved for the central government, while others were transferred to the provinces, thereby marking the beginning of a federal framework in Indian governance. This distinction aimed to increase Indian participation in governance and was a crucial step towards self-rule, reflecting the evolving political landscape and the growing demands for autonomy from Indian leaders during the early 20th century.