Question

Briefly describe the main proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan.

State any four major proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan.

Answer 1

1. There would be a Union of India, comprising both British India and the princely states.
2. The Union government would have control over foreign affairs, defence, and communications over only three subjects.
3. All other subjects would remain with the provinces, which would enjoy complete autonomy.
4. The provinces of British India were to be grouped into three sections:
   1. Group A: Hindu-majority provinces, Madras, Bombay, the United Provinces, the Central Provinces, Bihar, and Orissa.
   2. Group B: Muslim-majority provinces, Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, and Baluchistan.
   3. Group C: Bengal and Assam.
5. Each group would be empowered to frame its constitution, while representatives from all groups and princely states would together form a Constituent Assembly to draft the Constitution of the Union.
6. The grouping and constitutional arrangement could be reconsidered after ten years.

Answer 2

In 1946, British officials proposed the Cabinet Mission Plan to settle India’s constitutional stalemate. Its major proposals included:

1. Union of India: The Plan proposed a unified India with a weak central government in charge of defence, foreign affairs, and communications.
2. Grouping of Provinces: Provinces were to be grouped into three sections:
   1. Group A: Hindu-majority provinces (e.g., Madras, Bombay).
   2. Group B: Muslim-majority provinces in the northwest (e.g., Punjab, Sindh).
   3. Group C: Muslim-majority provinces in the northeast (e.g., Bengal, Assam).
3. Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly would draft India’s Constitution.
4. Interim Government: An interim government comprised of representatives from all major political parties was formed until the new constitution was adopted.