Question

The Cripps Proposals for the first time proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly.

1. In the light of the above statement, enumerate the four proposals of Cripps Mission.
2. Elucidate any four reasons that led to the failure of the Cripps’ Mission and eventually, to the Quit India Resolution.

Answer 1

(a) Proposals of Cripps Mission

1. Dominion Status to be granted to India after the end of the war with the right to secede from the British Commonwealth.
2. At the end of the war, a Constituent Assembly would be set up with the power to frame the future constitution of India. It would consist of members from British India as well as Native States.
3. The members of the assembly were to be elected based on proportional representation by the provincial assemblies.
4. The provinces not agreeing to the new constitution would have the right to keep themselves out of the proposed Union.
5. The British government would accept the new constitution subject to two conditions:
   1.  The new constitution-making body and the British government would negotiate a treaty to affect the transfer of power and to safeguard religious and racial minorities.
   2. The actual control of Defence and Military operations during the war period to be retained by the British Government.

(b) Reasons for the rejection of Cripps Proposals

1. The Cripps Mission proposals provided dominion status instead of complete independence.
2. Representatives of the princely states would be nominated by the princes instead of elected representatives.
3. Provinces were given the right to secede from the Indian Union against the country’s unity.
4. There were no plans regarding the immediate transfer of powers and share in defence.
5. Cripps Mission rejection by various parties and organizations led to the Quit India Movement as it fell short of appeasing Indian nationalists.