Communal Award and Poona Pact (1932) Notes with PDF

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The Communal Award (1932) & The Poona Pact

1. The Communal Award: Overview

• Announced by: British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald
• Date of Announcement: August 16, 1932
• Primary Reason: To break the deadlock at the Second Round Table Conference over political representation for minorities and lower classes.

2. Key Provision of the Award

• The central provision was the grant of separate electorates to various communities.

Communities Granted Separate Electorates:

• Muslims
• Sikhs
• Indian Christians
• Anglo-Indians
• Europeans
• Depressed Classes (Untouchables/Dalits) – This was the first time a separate electorate was created for them.

Community Not Granted a Separate Electorate:

• Buddhists

3. Gandhi’s Reaction and the Poona Pact

• Gandhi’s Protest: Mahatma Gandhi began his first fast unto death on September 20, 1932, in protest. He specifically opposed the separate electorate for the Depressed Classes, fearing it would divide the Hindu community.
• The Poona Pact: The agreement that ended Gandhi’s fast.
  • Signed on: September 24, 1932
  • Signatories:
    • Supporters of Gandhi (e.g., Madan Mohan Malviya)
    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (representing the Depressed Classes)
    • Note: Gandhi himself did not sign the document.

Key Changes Made by the Poona Pact:

• It replaced the separate electorate for the Depressed Classes with a joint electorate and reserved seats.
• It significantly increased the number of seats reserved for the Depressed Classes:
  • Communal Award: 71 reserved seats (provincial)
  • Poona Pact: 147/148 reserved seats (provincial)
• It provided for 18% reservation in the Central Legislature (British India) for the Depressed Classes.
• Purpose: The pact was specifically concerned with securing political representation for the Depressed Classes (Untouchables).

4. Aftermath: The Anti-Untouchability Movement

• Shift in Gandhi’s Focus: Following the Poona Pact, Gandhi distanced himself from the Civil Disobedience Movement to focus on the anti-untouchability movement.
• Formation of an Organization: Gandhi founded the All India Anti-Untouchability League in 1932.
• Name Change: The organization was soon renamed Harijan Sevak Sangh.
• First President: Industrialist Ghanshyam Das (G.D.) Birla.

5. Key Figures and Associated Organizations

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
  • Leader of the Depressed Classes and a signatory to the Poona Pact.
  • He was critical of Gandhi’s methods and philosophy on caste.
  • Famous Quote: He stated that Gandhi “like a fleeting phantom raises dust but not the level.”
• Babu Jagjivan Ram: Founder of the Depressed Classes League.
• Other Important Organizations:
  • All-India Depressed Classes Association: Founded by M.C. Rajah in 1926.
  • All-India Scheduled Caste Federation: Founded by B.R. Ambedkar in 1942.

Know More About Communal Award and Poona Pact (1932):

• Communal Award and Poona Pact (1932)-Old Year Questions and Answers
• Communal Award and Poona Pact (1932) One Liner Questions & Answers