Indian Councils Act of 1919 Provisions and Merits: 

1. Expansion of the legislative council: 

This act enlarged the size of the legislative council – both central and provincial. The number of members in the central legislative council was raised from 16 to 60. The strength in provincial legislative council was not uniform. The membership of legislative councils of Bengal, Bombay and Madras was increased to 50 members each. The provincial legislatures of United Provinces and west Bengal Provinces were to have 50 members, and that of of Assam, Burma and Punjab were to have 30 members each.

2. Communal representation: 

For the first time, Indian Councils Act gave recognition to elective principle for the appointment of non-official members to the councils. However, it introduced separate and discriminator electorate. The electorate was decided on the basis of class and community.

For the provincial councils, a provision of three categories was made – general, special and chamber of commerce. However, a fourth category Muslims was added. This was for the first time, that seats in the legislative bodies were reserved on the basis of religion of Muslims. Separate constituencies were marked for the Muslims and only Muslim community members were given the right to elect these representatives.

3. Other features: 

(1) This act empowered the members to discuss the budget and move resolutions before the final approval. They were given rights to ask supplementary questions and move resolutions on matters related to loans extended to the local bodies. 

(2) The members were given a right to discuss matters of public interests, however, the government was not bound to follow the proposals of the house. Rules were also framed under the act for the discussion of matters of general public interest in legislative councils. 

(3) No discussion was permitted on any subject not within legislative competence of the particular legislature, any matter affecting the relations of the government of India with foreign powers or native state, and any matter under adjudication by a court of law.

Merits of Minto – Morley Reforms: 

The Indian Councils Act 1909, which is known as the Minto – Morley reforms, undoubtedly had some merits, which are listed below: 

1. This Act marked an important stage in the growth of representative institutions and a step ahead towards the responsible association of elected Indians with the administration. 

2. This Act also gave recognition to the elective principles as the basis of the composition of legislative council for the first time. 

3. The Minto-Morley reforms gave some further avenues to Indians to voice their grievances. 

4. The Indians were given opportunities to criticize the executive and make suggestions for better administration. 

5. The enlargement of the legislatures strengthened the demand of complete Initialization of the legislature.