Minto-Morley Reforms 1909• By 1909, there was seen a great deal of political consciousness amongst the Indians. Similarly, political parties like Indian National Congress and All Indian Muslim League had emerged. By then, the British were much influenced and affected by these political parties. • As previous reforms and acts did not meet the political aspirations of all the Indians, the British realized that in order to introduce new reforms to impoverish the grievances of the Indians they needed to cater to these two political parties. Besides this, there were also other factors which led to the formation of Minto-Morley Reforms. • In this context, the instance is the victory of Japan in the Russo-Japan War of 1904-5 can be cited as an example. This was a ray of hope for Indians that India could also become a great power. •On the other hand, the Liberal Party came to power in Britain in 1906, and that changed the political atmosphere. The Liberal Party did not want to pursue the autocratic policies of the Conservative Party. Such political changes in Britain and as well as in India, which altered the public opinion in both countries.

Salient Features of 1909 ReformsThe number of the members of the Legislative Council at the

Center was increased from 16 to 60. The number of the members of the Provincial Legislatives was

also increased. It was fixed as 50 in the provinces of Bengal, Madras and Bombay, and for the rest of the provinces it was 30.

Separate Electorate was accepted for minorities.The preparation of separate electoral rolls was ordered.The authority of the Council was enhanced. The members were

given more liberties. Members were allowed to present Resolutions, discuss Budget and put up questions.

The members of the Legislative Councils were permitted to discuss the budgets, suggest the amendments and even to vote on them; excluding those items that were included as non-vote items. They were also entitled to ask supplementary questions during the legislative proceedings.

Salient Features of 1909 ReformsThe membership of the provinces of Bengal, U.P., Bihar,

Bombay, Madras and Orissa was fixed at 50 members whereas the membership of the provinces of

Punjab, Burma, and Assam was fixed at 30 members.The Indian were included in the Executive Council of the

Viceroy and in the provincial Executive Councils.The local bodies, trade unions and universities were

allowed to elect their members.Lt. Governors were appointed in Bengal, Bombay and

Madras. These provinces were given right to form their own Councils.

The Secretary of State for India was empowered to increase the number of the Executive Councils of Madras and Bombay from two to four.

Salient Features of 1909 ReformsTwo Indians were nominated to the Council of the

Secretary of State for Indian Affairs. The Governor General was empowered to nominate one Indian member to his Executive Council.

Shortcomings of the 1909 Act There were some inherent defects in Minto-Morley Reforms

due to which the Minto-Morley Scheme could not last very long. These reforms had following defects:

The Minto-Morley Reforms did not provide for mode of electing the representatives.

The system failed to develop a sense of accountability among the representatives.

The voting rights were squeezed which made the electorate too narrow and restricted.

The authority given to the elected members of raising questions and criticizing the policies proved useless as the real legislative authority rested with the Government and its nominated persons.

The legislative bodies lacked effective control on the Government agenCies.

The Central Government exercised vast authority in the financial sphere.

Provincial expenditures were controlled by the Central Government which could cut the provincial expenditures at will.

Significance of 1909 ReformsFollowing is the importance of Minto-Morley Reforms:

The Minto-Morley Reforms gave impetus to the constitutional development in India.

These reforms introduced the system of elections for the first time which created a great deal of political awareness among the Indian people.

The acceptance of separate electorate for the Muslims enhanced their political importance and significance.

Conclusive RemarksThe importance and utility of Minto-Morley Reforms cannot

be set aside because of some weaknesses in the scheme. It acceded the Muslims, their much cherished demand, the separate electorate in the provinces where legislative councils existed.

The Muslim League performed in a commendable manner by achieving major demands of the Muslims after only two years of its inception. It scored an amazing political triumph within a short time of its political struggle.

The separate electorate set the course of Muslim freedom movement which culminated in the shape of Pakistan after a forty years intense struggle. It also gave strength to the Two-Nation Theory which became the basis of Muslim freedom struggle.