Indian Councils Act, 1909 Also Known As Morley Minto Reforms

Introduction: 

The Government of India Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was an important legislative enactment during the colonial era in British India. It introduced significant changes to the legislative and administrative structures, as well as the electoral system.

Features of Government of India Act of 1909

• Also known as Morley Minto Reforms. 
  • It was named after the Secretary of State for India John Morley and the Viceroy of India, the 4th Earl of Minto.
• Expansion of Membership in Council: In the Central Legislative Council, members were increased from 16 to 60, though in Provincial Councils, the number needed to be uniform.
• Composition of Legislative Councils: The Central Legislative Council continued to have an official majority, whereas a Non-official majority was allowed in the Provincial Legislative Council.
• Enhancement of Deliberative Powers: More deliberative powers were given to the Legislative Councils. Members were allowed to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on the budget etc. 
• Voting on Budget: Voting for separate items on the budget was allowed, though the Budget as a whole could still not be voted upon.
• Introduction of Separate Electorate: It was introduced for the Muslims were introduced, and only Muslims could vote for the Muslim Candidates.
  • Lord Minto came to be known as the “Father of Communal Electorate”, as this act legalized communalism in India.
• Indians in Viceroy’s Executive Council: Indians were allowed in the Executive Council of the Viceroy for the first time as  Satyendra Prasad Sinha was appointed as a Law member in the Viceroy Executive Council.
• Representation for Various Groups: Separate representation was for Presidency Corporations, the Chamber of Commerce, Universities, and Zamindars.

Morley Minto Reforms divert attention from economic and political issues in India?

• Separate Electorates: The introduction of separate electorates for Muslims shifted focus to religious identity rather than economic and political issues.
• Communalism: The reforms fostered communalism, diverting attention from broader concerns and emphasizing religious divisions.
• Fragmentation of Nationalist Forces: Separate electorates divided nationalist forces, hindering unity and collective demands for reforms.
• Limited Franchise: The restricted franchise excluded certain groups, preventing them from participating in political processes and addressing economic and political issues.
• Lack of Accountability: The reforms lacked true accountability, leaving people feeling powerless and their concerns unaddressed.

Conclusion

Overall, while the Government of India Act 1909 expanded Indian participation in governance. However it reinforced communal divisions by introducing separate electorates based on religion, setting the stage for future conflicts between religious communities.

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