UPSC Prelims 2008 Q59: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
- (a) Simon Commission
- (b) Simla Conference
- (c) Cripps Proposal
- (d) Cabinet Mission
Answer: (b) Simla Conference
Explanation
Which proposal suggested reconstituting the Viceroy's Executive Council with Indian War Members
A specific wartime political conference proposed giving Indian leaders control over all Executive Council portfolios, including defence.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Simon Commission | Incorrect | This was an earlier (1927-28) constitutional review, unrelated to this wartime Executive Council proposal |
| (b) Simla Conference | Correct | The Simla Conference (1945) discussed reconstituting the Viceroy's Executive Council with all portfolios, including War Member, held by Indian leaders |
| (c) Cripps Proposal | Incorrect | The 1942 Cripps Proposal addressed different, broader constitutional questions |
| (d) Cabinet Mission | Incorrect | The 1946 Cabinet Mission addressed broader constitutional/federal structure questions, not specifically this Executive Council reconstitution |
Simla Conference facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1945 |
| Proposal | Indian leaders to hold all Executive Council portfolios, including War Member |
Answer: (b) Simla Conference.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Simon Commission (1927-28) is an earlier, unrelated constitutional review.
- (b) CORRECT. The Simla Conference (1945) proposed this specific Executive Council reconstitution.
- (c) Incorrect. The Cripps Proposal (1942) addressed different constitutional matters.
- (d) Incorrect. The Cabinet Mission (1946) addressed broader federal structure questions, not specifically this.
Key point
The Simla Conference (1945) suggested reconstituting the Viceroy's Executive Council with all portfolios, including the War Member, held by Indian leaders.
Remember
The Simla Conference suggested reconstituting the Viceroy's Executive Council with all portfolios, including War Member, held by Indian leaders.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Simla Conference's specific Executive Council proposal with other wartime/post-war constitutional initiatives (Cripps Proposal, Cabinet Mission).
- Mixing up the 1945 Simla Conference with the much earlier (1927-28) Simon Commission.
- Not knowing the specific War Member portfolio detail associated with this conference.
Exam tip
Simla Conference (1945) = proposed Indian control of ALL Executive Council portfolios, including War Member. A specific, named wartime political initiative.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- V. P. Menon — The Transfer of Power in India (Orient Longman, 1957)