Question

Trace the correct statement in connection with Cabinet Mission Plan :

1. Rejected Pakistan demand
2. Provinces grouped in to four
3. Union of India should not handle defence, communication and foreign affairs

• A. i, iii
• B. i only
• C. i, ii
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

B. i only

The Cabinet Mission Plan (May 16, 1946)

• The 1946 Cabinet Mission was a high-level British delegation sent to India to plan the peaceful transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership, aiming to maintain unity while granting independence.

• Arriving on March 24, 1946, it proposed a three-tier administrative structure, a Constituent Assembly, and rejected the demand for a separate Pakistan, though it ultimately failed to reconcile the Congress and Muslim League.

• Purpose: To discuss the transfer of power, form a constitution-making body (Constituent Assembly), and establish an Interim Government.

• Members: Three British Cabinet ministers:

  • Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India)

  • Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade)

  • A. V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty)

• Background: Sent by Prime Minister Clement Attlee to prevent the partition of India while addressing rising nationalist protests post-World War II

The mission proposed a framework after failing to get the Congress and Muslim League to agree :

• Union of India: A weak center handling only Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Communications.

• Provincial Autonomy: Provinces would have all other powers, and residuary powers would lie with them.

• Grouping of Provinces: Three sections (A, B, and C) to form a three-tier structure:

  • Section A: Hindu-majority provinces (Madras, Bombay, Bihar, United Provinces, Central Provinces, Orissa).

  • Section B: Muslim-majority (Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Baluchistan).

  • Section C: Muslim-majority (Bengal, Assam).

• Constituent Assembly: 389 members (292 from provinces, 4 from Chief Commissioner’s provinces, 93 from princely states) to be elected to frame the constitution.

• Princely States: Would be free to join the new Union or negotiate separate agreements.