UPSC Prelims 2022 Q54: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:
1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as
well as the Princely States.
2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to
sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Cripps Mission proposals (March 1942)
| Statement | Verdict | What Cripps actually offered |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Members nominated by Provincial Assemblies and Princely States | Incorrect | Provincial members were to be elected by the provincial assemblies (proportional representation); only the princes would nominate |
| 2. A province could reject the constitution and sign a separate agreement with Britain | Correct | Any province not accepting it could keep its position or get a separate constitution by agreement with Britain |
Other proposals:
| Proposal | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Dominion status after the war |
| Constitution-making | An elected Constituent Assembly after the war |
| Defence | Stays with the British during the war |
Gandhi called the offer a 'post-dated cheque'; the province opt-out clause was seen as opening the door to partition.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Provincial members were to be elected, not nominated, by the provincial assemblies.
- (b) CORRECT. The provincial opt-out clause allowed a separate agreement with Britain.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong because only the princes were to nominate members.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is a well-known Cripps clause that worried the Congress.
Key point
Cripps (1942): Dominion status, elected provincial members plus princely nominees, and a provincial opt-out clause.
Remember
Cripps 1942: provinces elect, princes nominate, provinces may opt out.
Common mistakes
- Missing the difference between elected (provinces) and nominated (princely states).
- Forgetting the opt-out clause, the feature that foreshadowed partition.
- Mixing Cripps (1942) with the Cabinet Mission (1946), which proposed grouping of provinces.
Exam tip
In UPSC statements, check the verb. 'Elected' versus 'nominated' often decides the answer.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 35 (Cripps Mission)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History III