Write a short note on Morley-Minto Refoms 1909.
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Write a short note on Morley-Minto Refoms 1909.
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 were introduced by the British colonial government in India, aimed at addressing Indian demands for greater representation in governance while ensuring continued British control. The reforms, proposed by Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, resulted in significant constitutional changes:
Introduction of Separate Electorates: The most notable feature of the Morley-Minto Reforms was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. This allowed Muslims to elect their own representatives to legislative councils, distinct from those elected by Hindus and other communities.
Expansion of Legislative Councils: The reforms expanded the size and composition of legislative councils at both central and provincial levels. While the majority of members continued to be appointed by the British government, a portion of seats were now reserved for elected representatives.
Limited Franchise: Despite the expansion of legislative councils, the franchise remained limited, with only a small portion of the population eligible to vote. This restriction ensured that British interests were still safeguarded.
Overall, while the Morley-Minto Reforms granted some concessions to Indian demands for representation, they fell short of satisfying nationalist aspirations for self-governance and were criticized for perpetuating communal divisions by introducing separate electorates.