Morley-minto reforms(1909) opposed [7]

Question 1

Why was the INC disappointed with the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909?

Answer 1

• The INC was disappointed because the reforms only gave nominal powers to the central and provincial legislative councils.
• The councils had no authority to make, change, or cancel any laws.
• Instead, members could only ask questions on important matters, express their opinions, or advise the government respectfully.
• This went against the INC’s policy of demanding self-rule in India, as they wanted real legislative power, not just the right to express opinions.

Question 2

Why did the INC oppose the size of the legislative councils under the Morley-Minto Reforms?

Answer 2

• The INC wanted a significant increase in the size of the legislative councils at all levels so that more Indians could gain access to political power.
• However, the British increased the size of the councils according to their policies and had no intention of making the councils equivalent to a parliament or introducing democracy in India.
• John Morley, one of the key figures behind the reforms, clearly stated, “I for one would have nothing to do with it,” indicating that the British did not want to grant real political authority to Indians.

Question 3

Why did the INC oppose the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims in the Morley-Minto Reforms?

Answer 3

• The INC strongly criticized the granting of separate electorates to Muslims.
• It was unhappy that Muslims were given a relatively higher position in the councils despite being a smaller community compared to Hindus.
• The INC saw this as an undemocratic move because it weakened Hindu political dominance and created divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
• They believed this special concession to Muslims was a deliberate British strategy to divide Indian society and prevent united opposition against British rule.