Indian Councils Act 1909

Indian Councils Act (1909) was passed by the British Parliament to increase the representation of Indians in the governance of British India. Indian Councils Act (1909) revised the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892 and introduced the concept of a separate electorate. Indian member was taken for the first time in the Executive Council of the Governor-General.

Historical Background

• Indian Council Act 1892 failed to meet the legitimate demands of the Indians.
• One of their main grievances was the difficulty Indians faced when trying to enter the civil service and administrative roles. Examinations for the services were exclusively held in Britain. British administrators’ reluctance to accept Indians into the civil service only further closed administrative positions to Indians.
• At the end of the 19th century, country witnessed the horrors of famines and Plague, bringing distress and misery for thousands of people, people blamed the British Government for their misery.
• Rise and growth of extremism despite government’s repressive measures created pressure on government.
• The division of Bengal was also carried out by Lord Curzon in 1905. As a result, there was a huge uproar in Bengal.
• Following this, the British rulers realized that some improvements in the Indian government were mandatory to tackle the situation.
• The Indian National Congress (INC) also made an extra push for additional reforms and Indian self-government.
• In 1906, the INC demanded home rule for the first time.In England, Gopal Krishna Gokhale met with Morley to stress the importance of changes.
• The Simla Deputation met Lord Minto in 1906 and presented their proposal for a separate electorate for Muslims, led by Aga Khan.
• The Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed to rally the Moderates in the Indian National Congress and Muslims to its side.