The British Parliament passed the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909 to expand Indian participation in administration. However, the reforms also introduced separate electorates for Muslims, marking a major shift in Indian politics.

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• Morley-Minto Reforms passed as the Indian Councils Act, 1909.
• Framed by John Morley and Lord Minto to reform India’s legislative system.
• Aimed to increase Indian representation in administration and councils.
• Triggered by Congress demand for reforms and Bengal’s unrest after partition.
• Introduced the separate electorate system for Muslims for the first time.
• Muslims could now elect their own representatives — a divisive political step.
• Legislative councils expanded in both provincial and central levels.
• Indians allowed to discuss budgets, pass resolutions, and question executives.
• Satyendra P. Sinha became the first Indian in Viceroy’s Executive Council.
• Though participation rose, powers of Indian members remained limited.
• Critics said it deepened communal division between Hindus and Muslims.