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Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms 1909) - Indian Polity Notes

Indian Councils Act (1909) was passed by the British Parliament to increase the representation of Indians in the governance of British India.
Indian Councils Act (1909) revised the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892 and introduced the concept of a separate electorate. Indian
member was taken for the first time in the Executive Council of the Governor-General. The topic “Indian Councils Act (1909)” is an important
part of the UPSC/IAS Exam Polity and Governance syllabus which is discussed in this article in detail.

Indian Councils Act 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms 1909)

Morley–Minto Reforms 1909 - Historical Background

Indian Council Act 1892 failed to meet the legitimate demands of the Indians.
One of their main grievances was the difficulty Indians faced when trying to enter the civil service and administrative roles. Examinations for the services were
exclusively held in Britain. British administrators' reluctance to accept Indians into the civil service only further closed administrative positions to Indians.
At the end of the 19th century, country witnessed the horrors of famines and Plague, bringing distress and misery for thousands of people, people blamed the
British Government for their misery.
Rise and growth of extremism despite government’s repressive measures created pressure on government.
The division of Bengal was also carried out by Lord Curzon in 1905. As a result, there was a huge uproar in Bengal.
Following this, the British rulers realized that some improvements in the Indian government were mandatory to tackle the situation.
The Indian National Congress (INC) also made an extra push for additional reforms and Indian self-government.
In 1906, the INC demanded home rule for the first time.In England, Gopal Krishna Gokhale met with Morley to stress the importance of changes.
The Simla Deputation met Lord Minto in 1906 and presented their proposal for a separate electorate for Muslims, led by Aga Khan.
The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed to rally the Moderates in the Indian National Congress and Muslims to its side.

Other Relevant Links

Amending Act of 1781 Charter Act of 1793

Regulating Act (1773) Pitts Act (1784)

The Charter Act (1833) The Charter Act (1853)

Indian Councils Act (1861) Indian Councils Act of (1892)

Government of India Act (1919) Indian councils Act (1919)

Government of India Act of (1935) India Independence Act (1947)

Charter Act of 1813 Act of 1786

Morley–Minto Reforms 1909 - Objective

To apply the electoral principle to membership in India's imperial and local legislative councils, as well as to increase Indian participation in the
governance of British India.

The reforms of 1909 afforded no answer and could afford no answer to Indian problems.
Morley–Minto Reforms 1909 - Key Provisions
At both the federal and provincial levels, the size of legislative councils has increased.
The Central Legislative Council is made up of individuals ranging in age from 16 to 60.
There are 50 members in each of the Legislative Councils of Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and the United Provinces.
Each Legislative Council of Punjab, Burma, and Assam has 30 members.
The members who were elected did so in a roundabout way. Members of the provincial legislative councils were chosen by local governments via an electoral
college. These individuals would elect members of the Central Legislative Council.
Those who were elected included local governments, chambers of commerce, landlords, colleges, trade organisations, and Muslims.
The bulk of provincial council members were non-official. In total, however, a non-elected majority existed due to the nomination of several non-official members.
The Imperial Legislative Council welcomed Indians for the first time.
Muslims had their own electorates. In some seats, only Muslims were allowed to vote, and only Muslims could vote for their representatives.
It introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of a ‘separate electorate’.
Under this, the Muslim members were to be elected only by Muslim voters. Thus, the Act ‘legalised communalism’, and Lord Minto came to be known as the
Father of Communal Electorate.
The budget could be debated and resolutions could be proposed. They could also discuss problems that are important to the general population. They could
also inquire about the topic more.
Foreign policy or relations with princely states could not be discussed.
Satyendra P Sinha was named to the Viceroy's Executive Council as the first Indian member (after great pressure from Morley).
The Secretary of State's Council on Indian Affairs has been expanded by two Indians.

Members of the federal and provincial legislative councils were to be classified into four groups:
Members of the executive council and the Governor-General are ex officio.
Members nominated by the Governor-General: The Governor-General has nominated government officials.
Members who were not government officials and were nominated by the Governor-General.
Various groups of Indians elect representatives to the board.

Morley–Minto Reforms 1909 - Significance

It was a forward step towards the responsible association of elected Indians with the administration.
The members for the first time got an opportunity to criticize the executives and make suggestions for the better administration of the country.

Morley–Minto Reforms 1909 - Defects

To increase the divide between Muslims and Hindus, separate constituencies were created. In Indian politics, this system ushered in an era of unabashed
communalism.
The size of the councils was expanded, but not their functions or powers.
Although the Provincial Councils had a non-official majority, the outcome was irrelevant because the non-official majority was invalidated by the election of
nominated members.
The Governor-General's position and veto power were not affected by the Act.
Members were able to discuss the budget, but they were unable to make any significant changes to it.
They could ask questions but not compel the executives to respond to the resolutions, which were more like recommendations to the government.
Morley-Minto Reform diverted attention away from political and economic difficulties that afflicted all Indians, Hindu, and Muslim alike.
 Other Relevant Links

Indian Polity UPSC Notes Historical Background of Indian Constitution

The Crown Rule (1858-1947) The Company Rule (1773 – 1858)

Union and its Territory (Article 1-4) Preamble of the Constitution

Making of The Constitution Citizenship (Article 5-11)

Fundamental Rights (Article 12 to 35) Directive Principles of State Policy

Constitution of India-Overview Fundamental Duties

Conclusion
Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, marked a significant moment in India's constitutional history during the
British colonial era. Enacted with the aim of introducing limited representative government, the Act expanded the legislative councils and granted
increased powers to Indians in the decision-making process. However, it fell short of providing genuine self-governance and was criticized for its
communal representation that reinforced religious divisions.

Some Important FAQs

Question: Why were the Morley-Minto Reforms enacted? ➕

Question: What were the most important provisions of the 1909 Morley Minto reforms? ➕

Question: What significance did the Morley Minto reforms of 1909 have for Muslims? ➕

Question: What is Morley- Minto Reform, 1909? ➕

Question: What is the concept of a separate electorate? ➕

Question: What is the Imperial Legislative Council? ➕

UPSC Mains Practice Question:

1. "There was more of a shadow than a substance what the 1909 reforms gave people of a country." Analyze the sentence.
2. Morley-Minto Reforms failed to deliver its promises

MCQs
Question: The Morley-Minto changes were designed to

1. Increase the number of members of the Central legislative council.

2. Muslims have their own electorates.
3. Dalits have seats reserved in the provincial assembly.
4. Education promotion

Select the correct answer from the following codes:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1,2 and 3 only

(c) 2,3, and 4 only

(d) 1,2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) See the Explanation ➕

Question: In British India, which of the following acts provided for communal representation?

(a) Indian Councils Act, 1892

(b) Morley-Minto Reform, 1909

(c) Montague-Chelmsford Reform, 1919

(d) Government of India Act, 1935

Answer: (b) See the Explanation ➕

Question: The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to (UPSC 2016)

(a) social reforms

(b) educational reforms

(c) reforms in police administration

(d) constitutional reforms

Answer: (d) See the Explanation ➕

Other Relevant Links

Indian Polity Notes Indian Economy Notes

Art and Culture Notes Governance Notes

Ancient India History Notes Medieval India History Notes

Modern India History Notes Geography Notes

Science And Technology Notes Environment And Ecology Notes

Post Independence Notes Society Notes

Internal Security Notes Ethics Notes

Disaster Management Notes World History

International Relations Social Justice Notes

CSAT Notes Government Scheme Notes

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