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Cabinet Mission

2020-04-27 15:22:02


  • Attlee gov announced in Feb 1946
  • to send 3 cabinet members Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps and A.V. Alexander
  • ==for a negotiated peaceful transfer of power to India.==
  • Rejection of demand of a full-fledged Pakistan.
  • Grouping of existing provincial assemblies into 3 sections on the basis of Hindu (1 group) or Muslim majority (2 groups).
  • 3 Tier executive. Legislature at provincial and union levels.
  • Constitutional assembly was to be elected by provincial assemblies through proportional representation.
  • Federal Structure was envisaged.
  • Communal questions to be decided by simple majority vote.
  • Provinces were to have full autonomy and residual powers.
  • Princely states no longer under paramountcy of Britain.
  • Formation of Interim gov from the legislative assembly.

  1. “The Cabinet Mission Plan‚ seemed to open an avenue for the reconciliation of a united India with Muslim autonomy’.” Comment. [1983, 20m]

  2. “The Simla Conference (1945) afforded the last opportunity of the forces of nationalism to fight a reargued action to preserve the integrity of the country and when the battle was lost, the waves of communalism quickly engulfed it.” Comment. [1988, 20m]

  3. ”… instead of rejecting the plan (Cabinet Mission Plan), they (the Congress Leadership) resorted to a half-baked legalistic stratagem to reserve their position on its long-term Arrangements and accepted its short-term provisions.” Critically examine. [2014, 20m]