Minto-Morley Reforms: 1909

Outline:
• Introduction
• Main features of Minto-Morley Reforms
• Criticism Of The Reforms
• Reaction Of The Muslims To The Reforms
• Conclusion
Introduction:

The process of constitutional reforms in India begin with the Indian council Act of 1861.
The creation of Indian National Congress and the political awakening of the Indians forced
the government to amend the Act of 1861 and another Act was enforced in 1892 but it
too, failed to quench the political thirst of Indains. The various steps taken by Lord Curzon
during his viceroyalty, proved a sharp unrest among the Indians. The Partition of Bengal,
the universities act and other such steps incited the anti-government feelings in the hearts
of Indians. The Minto-Morley reforms were therefore, introduced to bring an end to Indians
agitation against Partition of Bengal. Meanwhile, the inception of All India Muslim League
made the muslim conscious of the need to protect and preserve their rights.

Background
When sir henry Chambal (liberal Party) formed his cabinet at the end of 1905, Lord john
Morley was appointed as a secretary of state of India. In order to end the agitation of
Indians, Liberal Party wanted to make constitutional changes in India. His government
was looking forward to give more power for the locals in legislative affairs. For this many
correspondence taken place between John Morley and Lord Minto, the viceroy of India. A
committee formed for the purpose submitted a report and the Act was approved in 1909
by British Parliament and is known as Minto-Morley reforms 1909 in history.

Main Features Of Minto-Morley Reforms:

members of central legislative

council incresed to 16 to 60
provincial legislatve also incresed 50(Bengal,
Madrass, Bombey) and 30 for rest of the
provinces
right of seperate electorate was given to
muslims
indirect election system (people...local
bodies....electoral college....provincial
legislative...central legislatives

seceratory of state empowered to increace executive

council members

the GG empowered to nominate one indian member to

his executive council
Criticism To The Minto-Morley Reforms.
Minto-Morley Reforms failed to meet the aspirations of the people due to the following
reasons:
i) The system of separate electorates proved ineffective because it provided a limited
franchise. As a result of limited franchise the votes could be influenced.

ii) According to the reforms the system of elections was indirect. The members of
assemblies were not elected directly by the people. Thus they felt no responsibility towards
the people.

iii) The women were not granted right of going to the poll.

iv) Vested interests like chambers of Commerce, Landlords, District Board, University
Senates and Municipalities were given undue representation.

v) According to Garrat and Thompson, “The Act made no theoretical change on the
Executive side, though in the Legislatures right of criticism was increased.”

Reaction Of The Muslims:

Despite certain constitutional drawbacks and flaws in the Minto-Morley Reforms the
Muslims on the whole welcomed them mainly because of the introduction of system of
separate electorates. Agha Khan while addressing the league’s annual session at Delhi in
January 1910 said,” I am glad our just demand has been recognized, we must accept it as
final with appreciative spirit, worthy of our traditions”.

Conclusion:

Despite the limited scope, Minto-Morley Reforms gave impetus to the constitutional
development in India. These reforms introduced the system of separate electorates for the
first time which created a great deal of political awareness among the Indian people. The
Muslims got most what they demanded. The acceptance of separate electorate for the
Muslims enhanced their political importance and significance. This set the course of Muslim
freedom movement which culminated in the shape of Pakistan a forty years intense
struggle.