The political situation in the country was volatile after the Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905. To pacify the masses and to bring back the stability, the then Secretary of State for India Jhon Morley and the Viceroy of India produced Indian Councils Act of 1909. Let us have look at a few important facts about these reforms:
- Also called as Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909
- Provided for the election of members to the legislative council
- The separate electorate was given to "Muslims" only. It was extended to other communities in GOI Act 1919.
- Two Indians were nominated to the Council of the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs
- Governor-General was empowered to nominate one Indian member to his Executive Council
- It increased the size of legislative council at both Central on provincial levels
- It retained the official majority in the Central Legislative Council but allowed the provincial legislative councils to have the non-official(politicians) majority.
- It allowed for the first time, the Indians to be appointed in executive councils of Viceroy and governors.
- Satyendra Prasad Sinha became first Indian to be appointed to viceroy's executive council.
These reforms governed India for a decade. Government Of India Act, 1919 was enacted in response to the increasing demand for the Home Rule.