Question

Q43) Consider the following statements with respect to Cabinet Mission
i). It opined that the autonomy of minorities must be safeguarded within the framework of a united India
ii). Congress opposed the idea of grouping of provinces
iii). It provided for an Interim government consisting of only Indians
Which of the above is/are correct?

• A. a) i Only
  
• B. b) ii Only
• C. c) i and iii
• D. d) i, ii and iii

Answer 1

The correct option is D d) i, ii and iii

Ans (d)
After failure of Gandhi-Jinnah talks (1944) and Wavell plan (1945), Clement Attlee (British PM) sent the Cabinet Mission to India in Feb 1946 to
Discuss the formation of Interim government and outline of future government
Setting up of a Constituent Assembly
It had 3 members. It was the last opportunity to avoid partition. It stood for a united India. It failed to get the Congress & Muslim League to agree on a federal system that would keep India together while allowing the provinces a greater degree of autonomy. Hence, it proposed it’s own recommendations. They are
A united dominion of India would be given Independence with opt-out clause
Formation of a Constituent Assembly
The Mission opined that formation of Pakistan was not viable and that minorities’ autonomy must be safeguarded within the framework of a united India
Compulsary grouping for the provinces – Muslim majority provinces would be grouped in two groups (Group B which would consist of Baluchistan, Sind, North West Frontier Provinces and Punjab and Group C which would consist of Bengal and Assam). Hindu majority provinces in South and Central India would be grouped into Group A
Weak Central government with powers over Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communication. Rest of the powers and responsibilities would belong to the provinces and Princely States
Princely States will no longer be under the Crown and they will be free to join the successor or continue their relations with Britain
Interim government to be formed consisting of only Indians
Constituent assembly to be formed on democratic principles. It is to be formed of the representatives from provinces & princely states
Congress accepted some of the proposals while rejected others. While it accepted the proposals on constituent assembly, it rejected the proposals on weak centre & interim govt. Muslim league rejected the plan. The apprehensions of Muslim League were that congress could change the plan after getting majority in constituent assembly. Also, the demand of Pakistan was rejected in the plan, which irritated the ML & they thought that the plan is not a pro-Muslim plan. But overall, both Congress and Muslim League agreed to the Cabinet Mission Plan