Constitutional Development (1858 – 1947)

Indian Councils Act of 1892

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was the first achievement of the Indian National Congress. It had increased the number of
“additional members” in the Central Legislative Council. They were to be not less than 10 and not more than 16. It had also increased the proportion of non-officials – 6 officials and 10 non-officials. The members were allowed to discuss the budget and criticize the financial policy of the government. In the provinces also the number of additional members was increased with additional powers.

Minto- Morley Reforms of 1909

The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was also known as Minto- Morley Reforms in the names of Lord Morley, the Secretary of State for India and Lord Minto, the Governor-General of India. Both were responsible for the passing of this Act. It was passed to win the support of the Moderates in the Congress. The important provisions of this Act were:

1. The number of “additional members” of the Central Legislative Council was increased to a maximum of 60. Elected members were to be 27 and among the remaining 33 nominated members not more than 28 were to be officials.

2. The principle of election to the councils was legally recognized. But communal representation was for the first time introduced in the interests of Muslims. Separate electorates were provided for the Muslims.

3. The number of members in provincial legislative councils of major provinces was raised to 50.

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