- The Minto-Morley Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were a set of constitutional reforms introduced by the British government in India.
- The reforms were named after John Morley, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India.
The main provisions:
- Increased Indian representation in the legislative councils: The size of the legislative councils at both the central and provincial levels was increased, and more Indians were allowed to be elected to these councils.
- Separate electorates for Muslims: The reforms introduced a system of separate electorates for Muslims. This meant that Muslims could only vote for Muslim candidates, and that Muslim seats in the legislative councils were reserved for Muslim candidates.
- Increased powers for the legislative councils: The legislative councils were given more powers to discuss and debate government policies. They could also move resolutions on these policies, but they did not have the power to pass laws.
- Indians appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council: For the first time, two Indians were appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council. This was a significant step towards Indian participation in the government of India.
The Minto-Morley Reforms were met with mixed reactions from different Indian political groups. The moderates were generally supportive of the reforms, while the extremists were critical of them. The reforms were also criticized by some British officials, who argued that they gave too much power to the Indians.
Despite the criticisms, the Minto-Morley Reforms were an important step in the development of self-government in India. They laid the foundation for further reforms in the years to come.
Positive effects:
- The reforms increased Indian representation in the legislative councils.
- They gave Indians more opportunities to participate in the government of India.
- They helped to create a sense of political awareness and participation among Indians.
Negative effects:
- The reforms introduced the system of separate electorates, which divided Indians along religious lines.
- They did not give Indians any real power to make laws or change government policies.
- They were seen by some Indians as a way for the British to divide and rule India.
They had some positive effects, but they also had some negative effects. They were an important step in the development of self-government in India, but they did not go far enough to satisfy the demands of Indian nationalists.