12. INDIAN COUNCILS ACT, 1909 (MORLEY-MINTO REFORMS)

12. INDIAN COUNCILS ACT, 1909 (MORLEY-MINTO REFORMS)

Background: Named after Secretary of State Lord Morley and Viceroy Lord Minto. Came against the backdrop of the Swadeshi movement, rise of revolutionary nationalism, and formation of the All India Muslim League (1906).

Key Provisions

• Significantly increased the size of Legislative Councils — Central Legislative Council members increased from 16 to 60; provincial councils also enlarged.
• Retained official majority in the Central Legislative Council, but for the first time provided non-official majority in Provincial Legislative Councils.
• Introduced, for the first time, the system of election (direct, though limited by property/education qualifications) to the councils, though the basis remained narrow.
• Introduced separate electorates for Muslims — a highly significant and controversial provision: Muslims could elect their own representatives through separate Muslim electorates, on the demand of the Simla Deputation (1906) led by the Aga Khan, and championed by the Muslim League — this is regarded as the beginning of "communal representation"/communalism in Indian politics.
• Members allowed to discuss the budget, move resolutions, and ask supplementary questions.
• Provided for the association of Indians with the Executive Councils of the Viceroy and Governors — Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy's Executive Council (as Law Member, 1909).
• Lord Minto also appointed two Indians to the Council of the Secretary of State in London.

Significance/Impact

• Introduced separate electorates for Muslims — most far-reaching (and most criticized) provision — "legalized/institutionalized communalism" in Indian politics, later extended to other communities under the Communal Award 1932.
• First Indian in Viceroy's Executive Council (Satyendra Prasad Sinha).
• Provincial councils got non-official majority (though many non-officials were still not elected but nominated landlords/loyalists).
• Increased size and functions of legislative councils but did not introduce responsible government — councils remained advisory; real power stayed with the Viceroy/Governors.

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points

• Year: 1909; associated with: Lord Morley (Secretary of State) & Lord Minto (Viceroy)
• Separate electorates for Muslims introduced — landmark/most tested fact
• First Indian on Viceroy's Executive Council: Satyendra Prasad Sinha (Law Member)
• Non-official majority: provincial councils only (not central)
• Central council size: 16 → 60 members