morley minto reforms, also known as councils act 1909. it increased the involvment of indians in the govt, on limited scale. these reforms were drafted by john morely secretary of state and governor general lord Minto. imperial council increased by adding more non-official members. the central executive council increased by 60 members to discuss matters of importance and advise govt policy. Provincial Councils also increased to 50 members in larger provinces and 30 members in smaller provinces. Muslim representatives to the Councils were to be elected by a separate Muslim-only electorate.

REASONS FOR THE REFORMS [7]

• British Political Developments
  • The Liberal Party in England won the general elections in 1905 and promised to introduce reforms in India ¹.
  • The party stated that it would increase local participation in the government of India through elections.
• Indian Nationalist Movement
  • Hindu agitation against the partition of Bengal affected the British economy negatively.
  • The Swadeshi Movement and an attempt to assassinate the Viceroy minto led to a drastic decline in the sale of British goods and profits.
  • Indian demand for an increased share in the government justified giving more rights to the Indian people.
• Muslim League's Demands
  • The British government realized the importance of Muslims' anxiety about their future and the need for separate representation.
  • The Muslim League made it clear that Muslims wanted to maintain their separate identity and not merge with others.
  • The Simla Deputation's success led to the acceptance of Muslim demands for separate representation and more representation than their population percentage.

REACTION TO MINTO MORELY REFORMS

• Hindu Reaction to the Minto-Morley Reforms [7]
  • The reforms gave the local population a greater say in how the country was run, but the British only intended for Indians to express their opinions, not to have real power.
  • The councils established by the reforms had no real powers, and decisions were always in the hands of the British.
  • The Hindus wanted more responsibility, which the government was not prepared to give.
  • The reforms were criticized by the Hindus and the Congress party.
  • The British acceptance of separate electorates for Muslims was seen as increasing the communal divide between Indians.
  • they protested against not being given proper self rule and against separate muslim electorates
• Muslim Reaction to the Minto-Morley Reforms
  • The Muslims happily welcomed the Minto-Morley Reforms.
  • The reforms brought significant changes for the Muslims, including separate electorates and a system of representation.
  • The Muslims were given a higher percentage of seats than their percentage of the population.
  • The Muslim League was established in 1906, and it welcomed the reforms as a step towards self-government.
  • The Muslims were willing to cooperate with the British and participate in the councils.

Shortcomings of the Minto-Morley Reforms

• Although non-official members had participation in the provincial councils, the nominated non-official members always sided with the government.
• women were not allowed to vote.
• Only a small number of male Indians were allowed to vote due to high property qualifications.
• Elections were indirect, and only a few elite could vote, leading to widespread criticism of the reforms.