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With reference to Indian History, Morley-Minto reforms 1909 resulted in:

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in The Hindu Summary for Competitive Exams by (19.9k points)

With reference to Indian History, Morley-Minto reforms 1909 resulted in:

A. Reforms promoted the establishment of self-government in the future.
B. It increased the number of seats to provincial and imperial council.
C. Introduced separate electorate.
D. One Indian in Viceroy’s executive council was appointed.

How many statement/statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1 statement is correct
  2. Only 2 statements are correct
  3. Only 3 statements are correct
  4. All 4 statements are correct
by (19.9k points)

The concept of local government in India has a long history, starting from ancient times and evolving through various stages under different rulers and colonial powers. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Ancient India

  • Local self-governance existed during the Vedic period and the Mauryan Empire. Village councils or Sabhas and Samitis were the earliest forms of local governance.
  • During the Chola dynasty, well-organized village assemblies like Ur, Sabha, and Mahasabha functioned as autonomous units managing local affairs, making it a significant example of grassroots democracy.

2. Medieval India

  • Under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, local governance existed in the form of village Panchayats (informal assemblies). However, it was largely decentralized and focused on tax collection and maintaining law and order.

3. British Era

The modern concept of local government in India developed under British rule.

Key Milestones:

  • Lord Ripon's Resolution (1882):
    • Known as the father of local self-government in India, Lord Ripon introduced the first significant steps toward local governance.
    • His resolution emphasized the need for democratic local self-governing bodies, granting local institutions more autonomy.
    • Municipalities were given responsibilities like sanitation, health, and education.
  • Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms):
    • Allowed limited Indian representation in local self-government institutions.
  • Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms):
    • Transferred local government to the control of Indian ministers under provincial governments.
    • This reform institutionalized local government as a provincial subject.
  • Government of India Act, 1935:
    • Further expanded the role of local bodies under provincial autonomy.

4. Post-Independence

  • Constitution of India (1950):
    • Local government was included in the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 40, which directs the state to organize village Panchayats.
  • Panchayati Raj System (1959):
    • The modern Panchayati Raj system was formally inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in Nagaur, Rajasthan.
    • This system was based on the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which suggested a three-tier structure: Village, Block, and District levels.
  • 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992):
    • The most significant step in institutionalizing local government.
    • 73rd Amendment: Strengthened rural local governance (Panchayati Raj).
    • 74th Amendment: Focused on urban local governance (Municipalities).

1 Answer

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Analysis of the Statements:

  1. Statement A: Reforms promoted the establishment of self-government in the future.

    • Incorrect: The Morley-Minto Reforms were not aimed at establishing self-government. Their primary objective was to appease certain sections and divide Indian society by introducing communal electorates.

  2. Statement B: It increased the number of seats to provincial and imperial councils.

    • Correct: The reforms expanded the number of members in both Provincial Legislative Councils and the Imperial Legislative Council to include more Indian representation.

  3. Statement C: Introduced separate electorates.

    • Correct: The reforms introduced separate electorates for Muslims, allowing them to vote for their own representatives. This was a significant feature aimed at dividing the nationalist movement.

  4. Statement D: One Indian in Viceroy’s executive council was appointed.

    • Correct: Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to be appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council as the law member in 1909.

Correct Answer: (3) Only 3 statements are correct

  • Explanation: Statements B, C, and D are correct. Statement A is incorrect because the reforms did not aim for or promote self-government in the future.
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