♤ Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

o It increased the number of seats of legislative councils, both at central and provincial levels. The number of members of the Central legislative council was increased from 16 to 60.

o It retained official majority in Central Legislative Council but allowed the provincial legislative councils to have non-official majority.

o Members of legislative councils were given wider deliberative powers. They could now ask supplementary questions, move resolutions on budget et al.*

o It provided for a provision for Indians to participate in executive councils. Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to become listed on the Viceroy’s Executive Council. He was appointed as the law member of the British ministry.

o It introduced the system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of ‘separate electorate’. Under this, the Muslim members were to be elected only by the Muslim voters. Thus, the Act ‘legalized communalism’ and Lord Minto came to be known as Father of Communal Electorate.