The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was introduced to address growing demands for Indian representation and governance reforms. It aimed to placate both moderates in the Indian National Congress and Muslim leaders while maintaining British control. The act’s key features included the introduction of separate electorates, increased legislative participation, and limited inclusion of Indians in the executive council.

Indian Councils Act 1909 Or Minto Morley Reforms

The Indian Councils Act 1909 was passed for several reasons:

• Partition of Bengal: In 1905, Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal into two parts, which sparked a significant revolution in the region. This upheaval made the British rulers realize the need for reforms in the governance of Indians.
• Minor Concessions: Leaders within the Indian National Congress (INC) were dissatisfied with the minor concessions offered by the government. The Council Act of 1892 did not grant council members the power to vote on the budget; they could only debate it.
• Demands of Congress: The INC began advocating for more substantial changes and for Indian self-government. In 1906, the INC first demanded ‘home rule’ (Swaraj).
• Victory of the Liberal Party: In the 1906 general elections in Britain, the Liberal Party emerged victorious. Liberal philosopher John Morley became the Secretary of State and aimed to fulfill the promise of equality of opportunity in 1892. During a budget speech in 1906, Morley stated that he would consider reform proposals.
• Shimla Deputation: Morley’s announcement prompted Muslim leaders to take action. They organized the Shimla Deputation to advocate for Muslim interests. During this meeting, Aga Khan proposed a separate electorate for Muslims when he met with Lord Minto in Shimla.

Consequently, this legislation was enacted in 1909 to align moderates in the Indian National Congress and Muslims with the British administration.

Features of the Legislative Reforms Under the Indian Councils Act 1909

• Enlarged Legislative Council: The number of seats in the Legislative Councils—both central and provincial—was increased.  

• The strength of the Central Legislative Council grew from 16 to 60 seats.  
• The strength of the provincial legislative councils varied and was not uniform.  

• Majority in Councils: The official majority in the Central Legislative Council was maintained, while a non-official majority was permitted in the provincial legislative councils.  
• Enhanced Functions: Legislative councils at both levels were granted additional authority, including the ability to pass budget resolutions and pose supplemental questions.  
• Indians in Executive Council: For the first time, the Viceroy and Governors were allowed to include Indians in their respective executive councils. Satyendra Sinha became the first Indian appointed to the Viceroy’s executive council.  
• Separate Electorates: The concept of separate electorates for Muslims was introduced. Under this system, Muslim members could only be elected by Muslim voters. Lord Minto, the then Viceroy of India, became known as the Father of the Communal Electorate.  

Significance of the Indian Councils Act 1909

• Increased Participation: For the first time, Indians were granted membership in the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
• Communalism: This act was perceived as the British attempt to control Indian subjects by implementing a policy of divide and rule. The legalization of “communalism” was part of a broader strategy to incentivize orthodox elements within the Muslim community, thereby creating divisions within Indian society. The seeds of communalism sown through this act ultimately contributed to the tragic event of the partition of our country.

Implications and Criticism of the Indian Councils Act 1909

• Partial Progress: The Act was seen as a step forward in involving Indians in governance, but it was criticized for maintaining British control and not allowing true self-governance. 
• Communal Tensions: The introduction of separate electorates intensified communal divisions, setting a precedent for future politics in India.  
• Foundation for future Reforms: It laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms, such as the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), by highlighting issues in British-Indian governance structures. 
• Ineffectiveness in addressing Indian Aspirations: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Indian National Congress argued that the reforms did not meet the aspirations. 
• Momentum for greater reforms: The dissatisfaction with the 1909 reforms fueled the nationalist movement and demands for more substantial reforms where Indian leaders increasingly pressed for greater self-governance. 

Conclusion

In summary, the Indian Councils Act of 1909 represented a cautious British attempt to incorporate more Indian voices into the governance framework while maintaining control. It had lasting impacts on Indian politics, particularly concerning communal representation, and set the stage for future reforms and demand for self-rule. It also highlighted the growing discontent among Indian leaders who were advocating for more comprehensive reforms that would lead to a greater degree of self-rule and autonomy from British control. In essence, while the Indian Councils Act of 1909 fell short of satisfying the aspirations of Indian leaders, it catalysed broader political awareness and laid the foundations for future reforms that gradually expanded Indian self-governance leading up to Independence.