Minto Morley Reforms (1909)

At a time when anti-british sentiment in India was strong and the jails were filled with protesters, the British took action to avoid problems. The then Viceroy, Lord Minto, and the Secretary of State, Lord Morley, had to face a difficult period. The terrorist activities caused by the partition of Bengal, etc. and the measures taken to suppress them had created a very turbulent situation in India. As a result of the deliberations and discussions conducted by Minto and Morley, who realized that the Indians could be satisfied only by giving them a greater share in the affairs of government. For that, the British Parliament passed an Act called 'the Indian Councils Act 1909' in A.D.1909. The 'Indian Councils Act 1909' is commonly known as Minto-Morley reforms. The real purpose of the reforms of 1909 was to confuse the Moderate nationalists and to check the growth of unity among Indians.

Provisions of Minto Morley Reforms

1. The legislatures were enlarged. A system of electing a number of members was introduced. It effectively allowed the election of Indians to the various legislative councils in India for the first time.

2. It provided for the association of indians with the executive councils of Viceroy and Governors. According to this administrative reform, one Indian was appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council and two Indians were appointed to the Secretary of State Council. Satyendra Prasad Zinha became the first indian to join the viceroys executive council. He was appointed as law member.

3. Provision was made for an official majority in the Imperial Legislative Council, that is, the central legislative assembly, and an unofficial majority in the provincial assemblies, including elected and nominated members.

4. Separate constituencies were established for Hindus and Muslims.

5. The reforms envisaged a separate electorate for Muslims. Indian Muslims will be allotted reserved seats in the Municipal and district boards, in the provincial councils and in the imperial legislature and that Muslims should vote for candidates for the Muslim seats.