Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
Context:
- Third law in a series (after 1861, 1892) to involve
Indians in governance, but British kept control.
- Named after Lord Morley (UK
Secretary of State for India) and Lord Minto (Viceroy of
India).
- Introduced communal representation (separate
elections for Muslims), worsening religious divides.
Key Features:
- Bigger Councils:
- Central Legislative Council increased from 16
to 60 members.
- Provincial councils also grew, but sizes varied.
- Majority Rules:
- Central Council: British officials still
had majority (more seats than Indians).
- Provincial Councils: Indians could now have
majority (more non-official members).
- More Powers to Discuss:
- Members could debate budgets, ask
follow-up questions, and propose changes.
- Still, no real control over decisions—mostly
advisory.
- First Indians in Executive Roles:
- Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the
first Indian in the Viceroy’s Executive Council (as Law
Member).
- Indians could now advise British rulers at the
highest level.
- Separate Electorates for Muslims:
- Muslims voted only for Muslim candidates (no
mixing with other communities).
- Legalized division by religion (communalism).
- Lord Minto called “Father of Communal
Electorate”.
- Special Seats for Powerful Groups:
- Universities, big cities (presidency
corporations), and landlords (zamindars) got their own
reserved seats.
Why Important?
- First Step to Divide & Rule: British
used religion-based elections to split Hindus and
Muslims.
- Limited Indian Influence: More Indians in
councils, but real power stayed with British.
- Seeds of Partition: Communal electorates
later fueled demands for separate nations (India/Pakistan).
Simplified Summary:
- Bigger councils + more Indian members.
- Muslims got separate voting rights (started
religious divides).
- First Indian in Viceroy’s team.
- British still in charge, but Indians could now
debate issues.