1909 Indian Councils Actor

Minto-Morely Reforms

Governor General from 1894-1910

• Lord Elgin 1894-1899 • Lord Curzon 1899-1905• Lord Minto 1905-1910

Increased representation to the Indians in Council

The size of the Legislative Councils was enlarged by according more representation to the various classes of persons and bodies.

In the case of Governor General Council the total membership was raised from 16 to 60.

The maximum number of members of the Provincial Council of Bengal, Bombay and Madras was raised from 20 to 50 members and for U.P from 15 to 50 members.

The Central Legislative Council was to consist of 37 official and 23 non-officials.

Out of 37 officials, 28 were to be nominated by the Governor General and the rest were to be ex-officio.

The ex-officio members were to be the Governor General, and 8 council members.

Out of 23 non-official members, 5 were to be nominated by the Governor General and the rest were to be elected.

• The majority of the members were to be non-officials in the Presidencies i.e. (35+15). Some of the non-officials were to be nominated by the Governor.

• In view of the Government of India was the territorial representation was not suited to the people of India.

• Instead of territorial representation they introduced separate electorates for the different communities and classes in the presidencies.

• In the provinces, the University Senates, landlords, District Boards and Municipalities and Chambers of Commerce were to elect members.

Ex-officio members ( Governor General and Council)

who by virtue of office held by them in the government were to be given membership.

Nominated officials I.C.S officersThe Governor General was empowered to nominate

civil servants as members.Nominated non-officials The Governor General was empowered to nominate

certain persons from public life who did not hold any office under the Government.

The Elected members Those who were elected on basis of elections, namely,

members of Chambers of Commerce, Municipalities, District Boards and landlord class etc.

Enlargement of the functions of legislative councils

• The Act gave powers to the members to move resolutions relating to loan to local bodies, additional grants and new tax proposals, but on certain matters no right to discussion was made available.

• The members were also empowered to discuss and move resolutions relating to matter of public interest.

• The President could disallow any resolution or a part of a resolution without giving any reason.

Changes in the electoral systemThere were three types of electorates

General Electorates: Consisting of non-officials members either of Provincial legislative Councils or of Municipal and District Boards.

Class Electorates: Consisting of landlords and Mohammedans.

Special Electorates: Consisting of Presidency Corporations, Universities, Chamber of Commerce and trade and business interests.