RAS question
The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) is significant because it:
Correct answer: (A) Introduced separate electorate for Muslims.
The Indian Councils Act of 1909, or the Morley-Minto Reforms, is significant because it introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
Explanation
The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is remembered chiefly for introducing separate electorates for Muslims. Britannica identifies the separate electorate formula as the electoral system that was incorporated into the Government of India Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms. Under this arrangement, Muslim voters elected Muslim representatives separately, making communal representation part of the colonial constitutional framework. The Act also enlarged legislative councils and allowed greater Indian presence in them, while S.P. Sinha became the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council. Its importance therefore lies not in responsible government or universal franchise, but in the way it formally linked representation to religious community.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) The Act did not grant responsible government; responsible government came only partially with the 1919 reforms.
- (C) The Act enlarged councils and admitted more Indian participation, but it did not abolish the Viceroy's veto.
- (D) The Act introduced separate electorates for Muslims, not universal suffrage for all adult voters.
Concept
This tests constitutional reforms under British rule, especially the shift from limited representation to communal electorates. RAS often repeats this area because Acts from 1909 to 1935 mark key stages in colonial constitutional development.