Q.2 What are the main features of the Mountbatten Plan?
Ans: British government published the Mountbatten Plan for India’s partition on 3rd June 1947. Its major features were : |
- India to be partitioned into two parts-India and Pakistan,
- The constitution passed by the Constituent Assembly will not be implemented in those parts of India which are not ready to accept it.
- Before the partition of India, the question of demarcation of Punjab and Bengal will be decided. Separate meetings of the members of the provincial legislatures of the Hindu majority districts and Muslim majority districts of Bengal and Punjab should be called and if any of the parties wants to divide the province, then the division will be done.
- A referendum will be held in North West Frontier Province and Sylhet district of Assam to ascertain their position, Question of partition in Sindh province shall be put to vote in the legislature.
- The princely states of India will decide their own future, If they disagree to join any faction they would be free and shall enjoy status quo in their relations with Great Britain.
| Source: RBSE : 12th Class: Chapter 6 |
| Keywords: Mountbatten Plan, two parts, Constituent Assembly , demarcation of Punjab and Bengal, referendum princely states |
| Extra Info: Main Proposals of Cripps Mission Formation of a Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly would be created after the war to draft India’s future constitution.Provincial assemblies would elect members through proportional representation.Indian princes would nominate representatives for the Assembly.Indian Union with Dominion Status: India would be granted dominion status, allowing self-governance while remaining part of the British Commonwealth.The Indian Union would be free to join international organizations like the United Nations and establish its global presence.Acceptance of the New Constitution: The British Government agreed to accept the constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly but with two specific conditions:Provinces unwilling to join the Indian Union could opt out, draft their constitutions, and form independent unions.A treaty would be negotiated between the British Government and the new Indian administration to ensure a smooth transfer of power and the protection of minority rights.Continued British Authority: The British Government would retain authority over India’s defence and security until the power transfer was complete.This provision was designed to maintain stability and ensure Britain’s military interests during the ongoing global conflict. |