UPSC Prelims 2015 Q51: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It recommended a federal government.
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) None
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Cabinet Mission, 1946
Members: Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps and A.V. Alexander.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It recommended a federal government | Correct | A Union of India with a weak Centre handling only defence, foreign affairs and communications |
| 2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts | Incorrect | The plan said nothing on the courts |
| 3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS | Incorrect | It did not deal with the civil service |
Main proposals:
| Proposal | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | Demand for a separate State rejected |
| Provinces | Grouped into Sections A, B and C |
| Constituent Assembly | To be elected by provincial assemblies |
| Interim Government | To be formed from Indian parties |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Cabinet Mission recommended a federal government with a weak Centre.
- (b) Incorrect. It neither enlarged court powers nor dealt with the ICS.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; it made no provision on Indians in the ICS.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true, so 'None' is wrong.
Key point
Cabinet Mission (1946): three-tier federal union, Centre with defence, foreign affairs and communications; grouping of provinces; Constituent Assembly; no Pakistan.
Remember
Cabinet Mission 1946 = weak federal Centre + Constituent Assembly.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Cabinet Mission (1946) with the Cripps Mission (1942).
- Thinking it accepted the demand for Pakistan.
- Adding administrative reforms such as ICS recruitment to its plan.
Exam tip
Cabinet Mission = constitution-making plan. It was about structure, not services or courts.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 37 (Freedom and Partition)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Cabinet Mission Plan)