Question

Which one of the following statements is correct with regard to the Minto Morley Reforms of 1909?

1. Established a constitution making body for India.
2. Decreased the number of Provincial and Central legislative members.
3. Only the Britishers were nominated to the Executive Council of the Viceroy
4. Enlarged the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Enlarged the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.

The correct answer is Enlarged the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.

• The Indian Councils Act of 1909 introduced reforms that are commonly known as Morley-Minto reforms after the Secretary of State for India John Morley and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto. 
• Provisions of the Act:
  • The legislative councils at the Centre and the provinces increased in size. Hence the Statement 4 is correct.
    • Central Legislative Council – from 16 to 60 members
    • Legislative Councils of Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and United Provinces – 50 members each
    • Legislative Councils of Punjab, Burma, and Assam – 30 members each
  • The legislative councils at the Centre and the provinces were to have four categories of members as follows:
    • Ex officio members: Governor-General and members of the executive council.
    • Nominated official members: Government officials who were nominated by the Governor-General.
    • Nominated non-official members: nominated by the Governor-General but were not government officials.
    • Elected members: elected by different categories of Indians.
  • The elected members were from the local bodies, the chambers of commerce, landlords, universities, traders’ communities, and Muslims.
  • Indians were given membership to the Imperial Legislative Council for the first time.
  • It introduced separate electorates for the Muslims. Some constituencies were earmarked for Muslims and only Muslims could vote their representatives.
  • The members could discuss the budget and move resolutions. They could also discuss matters of public interest.
  • Lord Minto appointed Satyendra P Sinha as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.