Question 51 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Modern History

Question

With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:
1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: Analyze the precise language regarding the Constituent Assembly's composition and provincial rights. Statement 1's assertion of nomination by both Provincial Assemblies and Princely States is incorrect; the Cripps Mission proposed election by Provincial Assemblies and nomination by princes for their respective states. Statement 2, which allows provinces to opt out and negotiate separately with Britain, aligns with the mission's controversial offer for dissenting provinces to form separate unions. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct, leading to the elimination of Statement 1 and selection of option B.

Key Info: Cripps Mission (1942) was a British initiative during World War II, aiming to enlist Indian political support by promising post-war self-government. Key features included:

- **Constituent Assembly:** Proposed to be formed after the war to frame a new Constitution. Members were to be elected by provincial legislative assemblies via proportional representation for British Indian provinces; and nominated by rulers in princely states for their respective quotas. There was no provision for nomination by both provincial assemblies and princely states for all members--provincial assemblies elected, princes nominated only for their share.
- **Provinces' Right to Opt Out:** Any province not willing to accept the new Constitution could choose not to join the Indian Union; such province(s) would be allowed to form their own constitutions. They could negotiate directly with the British government regarding their future status, including forming a separate Union if desired. This clause was significant for sowing seeds for eventual partition plans.
- **Dominion Status:** The Cripps Mission promised eventual Dominion Status for India, allowing the country to remain in or leave the British Commonwealth.
- **Shortcomings:** The Congress and other groups rejected the proposals, objecting to the opt-out clause (seen as 'balkanization' of India) and to the lack of real power transfer during the war.
- **Princely States:** While given representation in the Constituent Assembly through nomination, the rulers' agreement was voluntary, limiting practical Indian sovereignty over these states.
- The Cripps Mission is seen as a precursor to subsequent constitutional developments but failed due to differences between British authorities and Indian leaders.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2