The 1909 Indian Councils Act, also known as the Minto-Morely Reforms, increased representation of Indians in the legislative councils and made changes to the electoral system. It enlarged the size of the central and provincial legislative councils, increasing the number of non-official Indian members. It introduced separate electorates based on religion and other groupings. Finally, it expanded the powers of legislative councils to discuss more issues, though the president retained final approval over resolutions.

1. 1909 Indian Councils Act
or
Minto-Morely Reforms

2. Governor General from 1894-1910
• Lord Elgin 1894-1899
• Lord Curzon 1899-1905
• Lord Minto 1905-1910

3. Increased representation to the Indians in Council
The size of the Legislative Councils was enlarged by
according more representation to the various classes of
persons and bodies.
In the case of Governor General Council the total
membership was raised from 16 to 60.
The maximum number of members of the Provincial Council
of Bengal, Bombay and Madras was raised from 20 to
50 members and for U.P from 15 to 50 members.

4. The Central Legislative Council was to consist of 37 official
and 23 non-officials.
Out of 37 officials, 28 were to be nominated by the
Governor General and the rest were to be ex-officio.
The ex-officio members were to be the Governor General,
and 8 council members.
Out of 23 non-official members, 5 were to be nominated by
the Governor General and the rest were to be elected.

5. • The majority of the members were to be non-officials in
the Presidencies i.e. (35+15). Some of the non-officials
were to be nominated by the Governor.
• In view of the Government of India was the territorial
representation was not suited to the people of India.
• Instead of territorial representation they introduced
separate electorates for the different communities and
classes in the presidencies.
• In the provinces, the University Senates, landlords,
District Boards and Municipalities and Chambers of
Commerce were to elect members.

6. Ex-officio members ( Governor General and Council)
who by virtue of office held by them in the government
were to be given membership.
Nominated officials I.C.S officers
The Governor General was empowered to nominate civil
servants as members.
Nominated non-officials
The Governor General was empowered to nominate certain
persons from public life who did not hold any office
under the Government.
The Elected members
Those who were elected on basis of elections, namely,
members of Chambers of Commerce, Municipalities,
District Boards and landlord class etc.

7. Enlargement of the functions of legislative councils
• The Act gave powers to the members to move resolutions
relating to loan to local bodies, additional grants and new
tax proposals, but on certain matters no right to
discussion was made available.
• The members were also empowered to discuss and move
resolutions relating to matter of public interest.
• The President could disallow any resolution or a part of a
resolution without giving any reason.

8. Changes in the electoral system
There were three types of electorates
General Electorates: Consisting of non-officials members
either of Provincial legislative Councils or of Municipal and
District Boards.
Class Electorates: Consisting of landlords and
Mohammedans.
Special Electorates: Consisting of Presidency Corporations,
Universities, Chamber of Commerce and trade and
business interests.