Question

What were the Morley-Minto Reforms? 4 marks

Answer 1

Answer:

Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)

   Constitutional changes in British India, introduced to increase Indian participation in the legislature.

They were embodied in the Indian Councils Act (1909) following discussions between John Morley, Secretary of State for India (1905–14), and Lord Minto, viceroy (1905–10).

The reforms included

(i) the admission of Indians to the Secretary of State's council, to the viceroy's executive council, and to the executive councils of Bombay and Madras, and the

(ii) Introduction of an elected element into legislative councils with provision for separate electorates for Muslims.

The reforms were regarded by Indian nationalists as too cautious, and the provision of separate electorates for Muslims was resented by Hindus.