Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)

Flashcards about the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.

Cabinet Mission Plan Announcement Date

Announced on May 16, 1946, by the Cabinet Mission and Viceroy Lord Wavell.

Key Members of the Cabinet Mission

Lord Penthick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander (First Lord of Admiralty).

Political Parties Involved

The Muslim League, advocating for a separate Pakistan, and the Congress, desiring a united India.

Cabinet Mission Plan Proposal Details

Proposed an Indian Union with British provinces and Princely States instead of partitioning into separate sovereign states.

Grouping/Sections Formation

Allowed provinces and princely states to form groups within the Union, possessing significant autonomy with a legislature and executive.

Congress Party's Reaction

Rejected the 'grouping' aspect, opposing the grouping of provinces based on religion.

Influence on Constituent Assembly

The Plan, also known as the 'State Paper', significantly influenced the Constituent Assembly's deliberations.

British Prime Minister Attlee's Statement

On March 15th, Attlee stated the mission's intention to help India attain freedom as speedily and fully as possible.

Mission's Examination of Partition

The mission examined the possibility of partitioning India due to Muslim concerns about being subjected to Hindu-majority rule.

Arguments for Pakistan

Based on the right of the Muslim majority to decide their government and the perceived necessity to include areas with Muslim minorities.

Problems with Pakistan Proposal

Creating Pakistan would not solve the communal minority problem.

Administrative and Economic Factors

India's systems were established on the basis of a united India, and disintegrating them would gravely injure both parts.

Decision Against Separate Sovereign States

The British Government was advised against handing over power to two entirely separate sovereign states.

Congress Scheme

Provinces would have full autonomy subject only to a minimum of Central subjects.

Relationship of Indian States to British India Post-Independence

The relationship between the Rulers of the States and the British Crown would no longer be possible.

Basic Form of the Constitution

There should be a Union of India, embracing both British India and the States.

Structure of the Union

The Union should have an Executive and a Legislature constituted from British Indian and States representatives.

Distribution of Powers

All subjects other than the Union subjects and all residuary powers should vest in the Provinces.

Formation of Groups by Provinces

Provinces should be free to form Groups with executives and legislatures.

Election of Representatives Process

Each Provincial Legislative Assembly would elect representatives by proportional representation.

Preliminary Meeting and Advisory Committee

A preliminary meeting would decide the general order of business and set up an Advisory Committee.

Opting Out of Groups Post-Constitution

Any Province could elect to come out of any group after the new constitutional arrangements had come into operation.

Next Steps After the Plan

The Provincial Legislatures would proceed with the election of their representatives and the States to set up a Negotiating Committee.

Appeal to Indian Leaders

The leaders and people of India had the opportunity of complete independence.