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Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) Notes with PDF

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The Cabinet Mission (1946)

1. Composition and Leadership

  • The mission consisted of three British Cabinet Ministers.
  • Leader: Sir Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India)
  • Members:
    • Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade)
    • A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty)
  • Viceroy Lord Wavell was also present during the discussions.

2. Origin and Context

  • Sent by: British Prime Minister Clement Attlee (Labour Party).
  • Announced: February 19, 1946, by Secretary of State Pethick-Lawrence.
  • Arrived in India: March 24, 1946.
  • Primary Purpose: To discuss and facilitate the transfer of power from British to Indian leadership.

3. Key Proposals of the Plan (Announced May 16, 1946)

  • Rejection of Pakistan: Rejected the Muslim League’s demand for a full, independent Pakistan.
  • Proposed State Structure: Proposed a united India as a single dominion.
  • Three-Tier Administrative Structure:
    • A weak Federal Union (Central Government) with powers limited to:
      • Foreign Affairs
      • Defence
      • Communications
    • Groups of Provinces:
      • Group A: Madras, Bombay, U.P., Bihar, C.P., Orissa.
      • Group B: Punjab, N.W.F.P., Sindh.
      • Group C: Bengal, Assam.
  • Interim Government: Proposed the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council to form an interim government of entirely Indian leaders, including the portfolio of War Member.
  • Constitution Making: Granted Indians the right to frame their own Constitution via a Constituent Assembly.

4. Reception and Aftermath

  • Indian National Congress:
    • Initially accepted the plan for forming a Constituent Assembly.
    • Mahatma Gandhi was fully in favour, calling it the best possible plan.
    • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Congress President) was the chief negotiator with the Mission and Lord Wavell.
  • Muslim League:
    • Initially accepted the plan in June 1946.
    • Withdrew its acceptance in July 1946 after disagreements over the formation and representation in the interim government.
    • Eventually joined the interim government in October 1946 after the Viceroy’s intervention.
  • Outcome: The plan ultimately failed due to conflicting interpretations by the Congress and the League, leading to the eventual partition of India.

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