The Indian Councils Act of 1909, popularly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was introduced to placate the growing demand for political reforms in India. While it gave Indians a limited role in governance, its most significant and controversial feature was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims, which sowed the seeds of communal division.
Background
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Growing dissatisfaction among Indians due to British repression after the Partition of Bengal (1905).
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Rising pressure from both Moderates (seeking reforms) and Extremists (demanding Swaraj).
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Formation of the Muslim League (1906), which demanded separate political representation for Muslims.
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Lord Minto (Viceroy of India) and John Morley (Secretary of State for India) introduced reforms to address political demands while ensuring British control.
Key Provisions of the Act (1909)
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Expansion of Legislative Councils:
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The number of members in both Central and Provincial Legislative Councils was increased.
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Out of 60 members in the Imperial Legislative Council, 27 were to be Indians.
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Introduction of Elected Members:
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For the first time, Indians were allowed to elect representatives to legislative councils (though franchise was very limited and based on property, tax, and education).
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Separate Electorates for Muslims:
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Muslims were granted the right to elect their own representatives separately.
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This was done to satisfy the Muslim League and ensure loyalty of Muslims towards the British.
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Inclusion of Indians in Governance:
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Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to be appointed as a member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council (Law Member).
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Powers of Legislative Councils:
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Councils were allowed to discuss budgets and ask questions, but they had no real power to challenge the government.
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The Viceroy retained veto power over all decisions.
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Impact of the Reforms
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The reforms provided only token representation and no real share in power.
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The introduction of separate electorates institutionalized communalism in Indian politics and weakened Hindu-Muslim unity.
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The reforms satisfied neither the Moderates (who wanted greater representation) nor the Extremists (who wanted Swaraj).
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However, it marked the beginning of constitutional reforms in India and was the first step towards limited self-government.
Key Takeaway
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 introduced limited elections and Indian representation, but their real significance lay in the introduction of communal electorates for Muslims. While the reforms failed to satisfy nationalist aspirations, they left a lasting legacy by deepening communal divisions that would later shape Indian politics.