Question

Q. With reference to Poona Pact, 1932, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Poona Pact is an agreement between M K Gandhi and B R Ambedkar signed in the Yerwada Central Jail, Poona on September 24th, 1932 on behalf of the depressed class for the reservation of the electoral seats in the Legislature of the British Government.

• Certain seats for the provincial legislatures would be reserved for the Depressed Classes. The number of seats was based on the total strength of the Provincial Councils.
• The number of seats reserved for the provinces was 30 for Madras, 8 for Punjab, 14 for Bombay with Sindh, 20 for the Central Provinces, 18 for Bihar and Orissa, 30 for Bengal, 7 for Assam, and 20 for the United Provinces. So, in total there were 147 reserved seats.
• In the Central Legislature, 19% of the seats would be reserved for the Depressed Classes.

Statement 2 is correct: This system would continue for ten years unless a mutual agreement consents to terminate it earlier. Fair representation of the Depressed Classes would be ensured by all means.

• Nobody would be discriminated against on the basis of caste on matters regarding election to the local bodies or in public services appointments.
• A certain sum of money from the educational grant would be allotted for the education of the Depressed Classes in all provinces.