Question

What was mentioned in the Cabinet Mission Plan regarding Provincial Autonomy?

Answer 1

Hint:

- Provincial autonomy means that the provinces in India have been granted a certain degree of liberty by the British Government in determining their internal affairs.

- Clement Atlee (British Prime Minister) has agreed to send a delegation to India to move powers from the British Government of India to Indian representatives.


Complete step by step solution:
During the British rule, the nation was split into provinces such as the Central Provinces, the United Provinces, the Bombay Province, etc.

Cabinet Mission Plan:

It was a high-ranking mission sent to India by the Attlee Government (British Prime Minister) in February of 1946. The mission consisted of three British cabinet members,
1. Pethick Lawrence (Secretary of State for India)
2. Stafford Cripps (President of the board of trade)
3. A.V. Alexander (First Lord of Admiralty)

Following points were mentioned about Provincial Autonomy in the Cabinet Mission Plan:
1. The Cabinet Mission Plan specified that the provinces of British India would possess complete sovereignty or the ability to pass legislation in the fields of education, irrigation, agriculture, etc.
2. However, in matters of international relations, security and communication, they would have to conform to the rules of the Central or British Government.

Aims of the Cabinet mission were:
- To obtain an understanding with the representatives of India on the drafting of a constitution for India.
- Formulation of a constitution-making body (Constituent Assembly of India).
Establish an Executive Council with the help of the major Indian parties.

Note:
Reasons for its failure:
1. The Congress Party needed a powerful core with limited powers for the provinces.
2. The Muslim League wanted good democratic protections for Muslims, such as parity in the legislature.
3. Since both sides had several theological disagreements and were unable to find common ground, the project came up with its own package of ideas in May 1946.