Question

Which of the following Acts introduced separate electorate system in India?
1. The Regulating Act, 1773
2. The Charter Act, 1833
3. The Pitt's India Act, 1784
4. The Indian Councils Act, 1909
5. None of the above / More than one of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : The Indian Councils Act, 1909

The correct answer is The Indian Councils Act, 1909.

• The Indian Councils Act, 1909 introduced a few reforms in the legislative councils and the act increased the involvement of Indians in the governance of British India.
• This act introduced a separate electorate for Muslims for the first time.
• The act was also known as the Morley-Minto reforms.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale met Morley to emphasize the need for reforms in England.

• For the first time, Indians were given membership to the Imperial Legislative Council.
• The Act introduced separate electorates for the Muslims.
• Lord Minto appointed Satyendra P Sinha as the first Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
• The Act increased Indian participation in the legislative councils, especially at the provincial levels.