Points to Remember:
- Indian Councils Act of 1909 (also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms)
- Expansion of the Legislative Council
- Introduction of separate electorates for Muslims
- Limited Indian participation in governance
Introduction:
The Indian Councils Act of 1909, enacted during the British Raj, marked a significant, albeit limited, step towards greater Indian participation in the legislative process. While falling short of substantial self-governance, it introduced key changes, most notably the creation of a larger Central Legislative Council, often referred to as the Central Assembly. This Act, named after the Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, aimed to address growing Indian nationalist sentiment while maintaining firm British control. The reforms were largely a response to the increasing demands for greater Indian representation in the government, fueled by the growing nationalist movement.
Body:
1. Expansion of the Legislative Council: Prior to 1909, the Central Legislative Council was a small body with limited powers. The 1909 Act significantly expanded its size. The number of members increased, though the exact number varied over time. The increase, however, was still insufficient to grant Indians a majority. The expanded council included both official and non-official members. Official members were government appointees, while non-official members were nominated by the Viceroy, representing various segments of Indian society.
2. Introduction of Separate Electorates: This was arguably the most controversial aspect of the 1909 Act. To appease Muslim concerns about their representation within the expanded council, separate electorates were introduced. This meant that Muslim members were elected exclusively by Muslim voters, ensuring a certain number of Muslim representatives in the Central Assembly. While intended to address minority concerns, this policy inadvertently solidified communal divisions and laid the groundwork for future communal tensions.
3. Limited Indian Participation: Despite the expansion of the Council and the introduction of separate electorates, Indian participation in governance remained severely limited. The Viceroy retained significant powers, and the Council’s legislative powers were restricted. The majority of the members were still nominated, not elected, and the British government retained ultimate control over legislation. The Act did not grant Indians any real control over the government’s policies.
4. Composition of the Central Assembly: The Central Assembly, as it came to be known, consisted of a mix of nominated and elected members. The elected members were chosen through separate electorates for Muslims and general constituencies. The exact proportion of official and non-official members varied, but the British always retained a clear majority, ensuring their dominance in the legislative process. The council’s functions were primarily advisory, with limited power to amend or reject government legislation.
Conclusion:
The formation of the Central Assembly under the Indian Councils Act of 1909 represented a modest step towards greater Indian participation in governance. While the Act expanded the size of the legislative council and introduced separate electorates for Muslims, it fell far short of granting substantial self-rule. The limited powers of the Assembly and the continued dominance of British officials underscored the limitations of the reforms. The introduction of separate electorates, while intended to address minority concerns, had the unintended consequence of exacerbating communal divisions. The Act, therefore, served as a temporary measure, highlighting the growing demand for greater autonomy and self-governance in India, ultimately paving the way for more substantial reforms in the years to come. The path towards true self-governance required a more comprehensive approach that addressed the fundamental issues of representation and power-sharing, ultimately culminating in India’s independence.