UPSC Prelims 2002 Q33: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) nominated by the British Parliament
- (b) nominated by the Governor General
- (c) elected by the Legislative Assemblies of various provinces
- (d) elected by the Indian National Congress and Muslim League
Answer: (c) elected by the Legislative Assemblies of various provinces
Explanation
How the members of the Constituent Assembly were chosen
| Option | Reality |
|---|---|
| Nominated by the British Parliament | No — it was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 |
| Nominated by the Governor General | No — only a few princely-state members were nominated by the rulers |
| Elected by the Legislative Assemblies of the provinces | Yes — indirect election by the provincial assemblies, with seats by population |
| Elected by the Congress and the Muslim League | No — parties contested, but the electors were the provincial assemblies |
Under the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) the members for the British provinces were elected by the provincial Legislative Assemblies, one member per million of population, with seats shared among Muslims, Sikhs and General communities. Hence the members were indirectly elected.
Answer: (c) elected by the Legislative Assemblies of various provinces.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The British Parliament did not nominate the members.
- (b) Incorrect. The Governor General did not nominate the provincial members.
- (c) CORRECT. The provincial Legislative Assemblies elected them.
- (d) Incorrect. The Congress and the League were parties, not the electorate.
Key point
Constituent Assembly: 389 members (292 provinces, 93 princely states, 4 chief commissioners); first met 9 December 1946.
Remember
Constituent Assembly members were indirectly elected by the provincial assemblies.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the Congress and the League because they dominated the result.
- Treating the Assembly as nominated by the British.
- Forgetting that the election was indirect.
Exam tip
'Elected' by 'Legislative Assemblies' is the only answer that matches the Cabinet Mission scheme.
Sources
- Granville Austin — The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity