Recommendations of the Cabinet Mission Plan
The recommendations of the Cabinet Mission Plan, presented in May 1946, aimed to provide a framework for the future governance of India and the transfer of power from British colonial rule to Indian leadership. The key recommendations included:
- A United India with Provincial Autonomy: The plan proposed the establishment of a united India with significant provincial autonomy. It suggested the creation of three groups of provinces, each with its own legislative assembly, to administer regional affairs. These groups were to be formed based on linguistic, cultural, and administrative considerations.
- Federal Structure with Three-Tiered Government: The plan envisaged a federal structure for India, with power divided between the central government and the provincial governments. The federal government was to have authority over defense, foreign affairs, and communications, while the provinces were to have control over other subjects.
- Formation of Constituent Assembly: The plan recommended the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, composed of members elected by the provincial assemblies, to draft India’s constitution. The assembly was to ensure adequate representation for all communities and regions, including minority groups.
- Safeguards for Minority Rights: The plan proposed various safeguards to protect the rights and interests of minority communities, particularly Muslims. It suggested that any decision affecting the Muslim-majority provinces should be made with the concurrence of a majority of Muslim members in the respective provincial assembly.
- Option for Provinces to Opt-Out of Union: Provinces were given the option to opt-out of the proposed union if they did not wish to join. However, such provinces were encouraged to form their own groupings or federations for mutual cooperation and governance.
- Interim Government: The plan called for the formation of an interim government at the center, composed of representatives from major political parties, to oversee the transition to independence and the drafting of the constitution.
- British Paramountcy during Transition: While the plan outlined the transfer of power to Indian hands, it also proposed the retention of British paramountcy over defense, foreign affairs, and communications during the transition period.
Cabinet Mission Plan 1946
The Cabinet Mission Plan, unveiled in May 1946, represented a significant departure from previous British approaches to Indian constitutional reforms. It proposed a framework for a united India with substantial autonomy for its provinces, while also recognizing the aspirations of Muslim-majority regions for adequate representation and safeguards. The plan recommended the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, composed of members nominated by the provincial assemblies, to draft India’s constitution.
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Cabinet Mission 1946
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