Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909)

The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as Morley-Minto Reforms was a historic piece of legislation that implemented reforms recommended by Lord Morley, the Secretary of States for India, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy. The act aimed to increase the participation of Indians in the governance of their own country and introduced reforms to the composition and functions of the Indian Legislative Councils.

The Indian Councils Act of 1909 marked a significant step forward in India’s quest for self-rule and was a direct response to the growing demand for greater representation of Indians in the legislative process. Despite its limited scope, the act remains an important part of India’s political history and set the stage for further reforms in the decades to come.

Events and Factors Prior to 1909 which led to the Morley-Minto reforms?

The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 were the result of a series of events and factors, which created a political climate and the British government felt compelled to introduce the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 as a response to the growing demands for political reform in India. It Includes:

• Growing Indian Nationalism: The rise of Indian nationalism and demands for greater political representation and self-governance.
• Partition of Bengal (1905): The partition of Bengal by the British led to widespread protests and increased Indian political consciousness.
• Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): The Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British goods and services, which brought Indian nationalist demands to the forefront.
• Muslim League: The formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906, which advocated for Muslim political rights and representation.
• Delhi Durbar (1903): The coronation of King Edward VII in Delhi led to increased calls for constitutional reform and Indian representation in the legislative process.
• Pressure from the British Parliament: The British Parliament was under pressure from the Indian National Congress and other Indian nationalist groups to introduce reforms to address the growing demands for greater political representation.

The Indian Councils Act 1909 Features

Provisions:

The Indian Councils Act 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, had the following main features and provisions:

1. Expansion of Legislative Councils: The act expanded the size of the legislative councils at the provincial and central levels, allowing for the inclusion of elected Indian members.
2. Separate Electorate System: The act introduced a separate electorate system for Muslims, providing them with separate representation in the legislative councils.
3. Increase in Powers of Legislative Councils: The act increased the powers of the legislative councils to discuss the budget and ask questions of the executive, though the councils still lacked the power to veto legislation.
4. Introduction of Communal Representation: The act introduced communal representation for various communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, and Anglo-Indians.
5. Increased Representation for India in the British Parliament: The act provided for the appointment of an additional Secretary of State for India, with increased representation for India in the British Parliament.
6. Official Participation in Council Debates: The act allowed for the participation of government officials in council debates, thereby increasing their influence on the legislative process.
7. Limited Franchise: The franchise was limited to a small section of the population, based on property and tax qualifications, thereby excluding the majority of Indians from the political process.

Criticisms On Morley-Minto Reforms

1. Limited scope: The reforms did not go far enough in terms of granting political representation and power to Indians.
2. Communal Representation: The introduction of separate electorates for Muslims was criticized as a divisive move that perpetuated communal tensions.
3. Lack of Popular Support: The reforms did not have the support of the Indian masses and were seen as a purely elite-level concession.
4. Resistance from the British: The British administration in India was largely opposed to any significant transfer of power to Indians and worked to undermine the reforms.
5. Inadequate representation: The number of elected Indian members was still small, and the British continued to hold a majority in the councils, giving them veto power over Indian demands.
6. No power to make laws: The Legislative Councils did not have the power to make laws and were limited to advisory roles, leading to widespread criticism that the reforms did not go far enough in addressing Indian demands for self-governance.
7. Favoritism towards Muslims: The introduction of separate electorates for Muslims was seen as an attempt to divide and rule, and was criticized for being biased towards the Muslim community at the expense of other communities.