Sunday, March 28, 2021
Cabinet Mission Plan:
The Cabinet Mission Plan was a proposal formulated by the British government in 1946 to find a solution to the constitutional problem in India. The plan aimed to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League over the formation of a united, independent Indian government.
Here are the key points of the Cabinet Mission Plan:
1. Formation of Constituent Assembly: The plan proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly for India, consisting of representatives from all provinces and princely states. The assembly would draft a constitution for an independent and united India.
2. Composition of the Assembly: The Constituent Assembly was to consist of 389 members. Out of these, 292 members were to be drawn from the provinces, while 93 members were to represent princely states.
3. Representation of Muslims: The Muslim League insisted on separate representation for Muslims, considering themselves as the sole representatives of Muslim interests. The plan allowed for Muslim-majority provinces to have a higher percentage of Muslim members in the assembly.
4. Interim Government: The plan proposed the formation of an interim government at the center, which would operate until the new constitution was drafted and came into effect.
5. Grouping of Provinces: The plan introduced the concept of grouping provinces into three categories: Group A (Hindu-majority provinces), Group B (Muslim-majority provinces), and Group C (Bengal and Assam). Provinces within each group would work together for the formation of their respective constituent assemblies.
6. Contingent Plan: In case any province or group of provinces decided not to join the Constituent Assembly, it was suggested that they might form their own constitution-making body.
7. Provincial Autonomy: The plan reaffirmed the principle of provincial autonomy, granting significant powers to provinces in matters of administration and legislation.
The Cabinet Mission Plan was accepted by the Indian National Congress but was rejected by the All-India Muslim League. The differences between the Congress and the League persisted, eventually leading to the partition of India in 1947 and the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan. Despite its failure to prevent partition, the Cabinet Mission Plan marked a significant effort by the British government to resolve the complex issues surrounding India's independence and the formation of its political structure.