Indian Council Act of 1909 | Expansion of Legislative Councils - Communal Representation and Divide - Features and implications of the Indian Councils Act of 1909
Indian Council Act of 1909: The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was an important legislative measure enacted by the British government to introduce limited constitutional reforms in India during the period of British colonial rule. The act was named after the Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto. Here are key features and implications of the Indian Councils Act of 1909: Key Features: 1. Expansion of Legislative Councils: The act expanded the size and the powers of the Legislative Councils in both the central and provincial levels. It increased the number of elected members in the Imperial Legislative Council and the provincial councils. 2. Separate Electorates: The act introduced the system of separate electorates for Muslims, whereby Muslims would vote for their own representatives. This was seen as a move to recognize and accommodate the interests of different religious communities. 3. Communal Repre...