In the saga of British colonial rule in India, legislative acts often served as milestones, shaping the trajectory of governance and the dynamics of power. One such pivotal moment was the enactment of the Indian Council Act of 1909, a landmark legislation that left an indelible mark on India’s political landscape.
The 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were changes made by the British Parliament. These reforms allowed Indians to take part in the Secretary of State’s council, the executive councils of Bombay and Madras, the viceroy’s executive council, and the legislature.
John Morley, the Secretary of State for India from 1905 to 1910, and Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India during the same period, worked together to create these reforms. John Morley, with the help of Krishna G. Gupta, an officer in the Indian Civil Service, and Sayyid Husain Bilgrami, a member of the Indian Muslim League, brought the reforms to the British Parliament.
Background
- The Indian Council Act of 1892 failed to address the legitimate concerns of Indians. One of the main issues was the difficulty Indians faced in joining the civil service and administrative roles. Examinations for these roles were held only in Britain, and British administrators were reluctant to accept Indians, making it hard for them to get these positions.
- Towards the end of the 19th century, India experienced famines and the Plague, causing suffering for many people. People blamed the British Government for their suffering.
- Despite the government’s attempts to suppress extremism, it continued to grow, adding pressure on the government.
- In 1905, Lord Curzon divided Bengal, causing widespread protests in Bengal.
- Realizing the need for changes, the British rulers decided to make some improvements to the Indian government.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) also pushed for more reforms and self-government for Indians. In 1906, the INC demanded home rule for the first time.
- In England, Gopal Krishna Gokhale met with Morley to emphasize the need for changes.
- In 1906, the Simla Deputation, led by Aga Khan, met with Lord Minto and proposed a separate electorate for Muslims.
- The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed to bring the Moderates in the Indian National Congress and Muslims to the government’s side.
Provision of the Act
- The size of both federal and provincial legislative councils increased.
- The Central Legislative Council’s members ranged in age from 16 to 60.
- Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and the United Provinces each had 50 members in their Legislative Councils.
- Punjab, Burma, and Assam had 30 members in their Legislative Councils.
- Provincial council members were chosen indirectly by local governments through an electoral college, which then elected members to the Central Legislative Council.
- Members were elected by various groups including local governments, chambers of commerce, landlords, colleges, trade organizations, and Muslims.
- Most provincial council members were non-official, but a majority were non-elected due to the nomination of several non-official members.
- The Imperial Legislative Council allowed Indian members for the first time.
- Muslims had separate electorates, where only Muslims could vote and be elected.
- The Act introduced communal representation for Muslims, allowing only Muslim voters to elect Muslim representatives.
- This system of separate electorates was referred to as ‘legalized communalism’, and Lord Minto became known as the Father of Communal Electorate.
- The legislative councils could debate the budget, propose resolutions, discuss important issues, and inquire further.
- However, they couldn’t discuss foreign policy or relations with princely states.
- Satyendra P. Sinha was appointed as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, after much pressure from Morley.
- Two Indians were added to the Secretary of State’s Council on Indian Affairs.
- Members of both federal and provincial legislative councils were divided into four groups:
- Ex officio members, including members of the executive council and the Governor-General.
- Members nominated by the Governor-General, who were government officials.
- Non-government official members nominated by the Governor-General.
- Representatives elected by various Indian groups.
Drawbacks of the Act
- Separate constituencies were created for Muslims and Hindus, leading to increased communalism in Indian politics.
- The size of the councils grew, but their functions and powers remained the same.
- Although Provincial Councils had more non-official members, their decisions were often overridden by appointed members.
- The Governor-General’s authority and veto power were not affected by the Act.
- While members could discuss the budget, they couldn’t make significant changes to it.
- They could ask questions, but executives weren’t obligated to respond to their recommendations.
- The Morley-Minto Reform diverted attention from the political and economic challenges faced by both Hindus and Muslims in India.
Indian representatives in the councils gained the ability to suggest new laws. They were also given the authority to question parts of the yearly budget. This helped build a better relationship between elected Indian officials and the British government.
Also Read: Indian Council Act of 1892.