Question

Describe the main features of “Poona Pact”

Answer 1

Hint: The Poona Pact was an agreement that took place between Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi in 1932. This Pact took place on the ground of representation of the Depressed classes.

Complete answer: The British Prime Minister Ramsay Mcdonald introduced the concept of Communal Award that would allow the Depressed Classes to have their own electorates for Central and Provincial legislatures. Mahatma Gandhi viewed this as a threat because he believed this award would separate the untouchables from the Hindu religious community. Ambedkar and other leaders of the Depressed classes however supported this.
One feature of the Poona Pact was that it did not mention the point of separate electorate. It put forward joint electorates with reserved seats. The Pact called for no discrimination against the Depressed Classes in public service. Gandhi went on fast unto death unless the provision of separate electorates was removed from the award. The British government agreed to bring about the changes only if it was an agreement between the communities concerned. The Indian leaders came to the realisation that the best way to get Gandhi out of his fast was to bring Ambedkar and Gandhi upon a settlement. Ambedkar was not at all swayed by Gandhi’s fast but he decided to negotiate. The Agreement marked the signing of the Poona Pact in 1931.

Note: The Poona Pact influenced the Government of India Act, 1935. The Muslims, Sikhs all other received separate electorates but not the Depressed Classes. Although the Poona Pact ensured double electorates that what the Award had for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar was not happy about it because it failed to give the due representation to the Depressed classes as compared to separate electorates. The Poona Pact was a historic moment for India because it brought out the tensions between the Depressed Class and Hindus. This was a major disadvantage for Indians while dealing with the British.