Question

Describe the main features of 'Poona Pact'.

Answer 1

The Poona Pact was an agreement signed on 24th September 1932 between Gandhiji and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes and upper-caste Hindu leaders on the reservation of electoral seats for the depressed classes in the legislature of the British India government.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who organised the dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930, clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second Round Table Conference by demanding separate electorates for dalits. When the British government conceded Ambedkar’s demand, Gandhiji began a fast unto death. Ambedkar ultimately accepted Gandhiji’s position and the result was the Poona Pact of September 1932.

The main features of the Poona Pact were:

i. It gave the Depressed Classes (later to be known as the Schedule Castes) reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils.

ii. They were to be voted in by the general electorate.
iii. The act came into force due to Gandhiji's fast unto death, and Ambedkar ultimately accepting Gandhiji's stand.