Minto-Morley Reforms 1909 and Demand for Separate Electorate in Punjab

During the years 1906-10 two men guided the British policy in India, John Morley Secretary of State for India and Viceroy Lord Minto. They co-operated in introducing constitutional changes which are known as 'Morley-Minto Reforms.' Morley knew that there was much unrest, discontent and sedition in India. Several millions died of famines and plague in the early years of the present century. The partition of Bangal (1905), followed by the Swadeshi Movement, had created serious disturbances within the Congress the extremists were demanding anti-British agitation. Morley and Minto decided to meet this critical situation by introducing constitutional changes which would secure for the government. Then followed the Indian Council Act, 1909 which introduced important constitutional changes. The size of the Central and Provincial Legislatures was increased. The number of additional members of the Governor-General's Council was now raised at the maximum to 60. The good effects of these provisions were largely nullified by the introduction of separate electorates which provided special privileges for the Muslims and widened the political gulf between them and Hindus. Provision was made for the creation of Executive Councils for the Lieutenant-Governors of the provinces. The introduction of Separate Electorates was a fulfillment of the commitment made by Minto to the Shimla Deputation and a statutory recognition of Muslim separatism. Thus the fundamental principle behind the Morley-Minto Reforms made no concession to the congress demand for self government within the British Empire.