Q. The Morley-Minto Reforms which were passed in 1909.
(a) Established a constitution-making body
(b) Enlarged the central and the provincial legislative councils
(c) Made the Executive Council of the Governor- General purely English in composition
(d) Decreased the number of the provincial and central legislative members
Ans: (b) Enlarged the central and the provincial legislative councils
Explanation: The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, enlarged the central and provincial legislative councils in India. Therefore, the correct option is (b).
The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced by the British government to address the growing demands for political representation in India. They aimed to increase Indian participation in the legislative process while maintaining British control over decision-making.
Under these reforms, the central and provincial legislative councils were expanded, allowing for a limited form of representative government. The number of elected Indian members in these councils was increased, although the majority of seats still remained under British control. The reforms also introduced separate electorates for Muslims, providing them with reserved seats to ensure their representation in the councils.
The Morley-Minto Reforms did not establish a constitution-making body, as mentioned in option (a). They did not make the Executive Council of the Governor-General purely English in composition, as stated in option (c). Additionally, the reforms did not decrease the number of provincial and central legislative members, as mentioned in option (d). Hence, option (b) “Enlarged the central and the provincial legislative councils” accurately describes the main impact of the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.
