Q. 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.

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3
  • 1 and 3
  • None

Answer: (a) 1 only

Notes:
  • The Cabinet Mission was composed of three Cabinet Ministers of England.
  • The objective of this mission was to
    • Devise machinery to draw up the constitution of Independent India.
    • Make arrangements for the interim Government.
    • Thus the mission was like a declaration of India’s independence.
  • The cabinet mission plan proposed that there shall be a Union of India which was to be empowered to deal with the defence, foreign affairs and communications.
    • The Union Government and its legislature were to have limited powers, dealing with Finance, Foreign Affairs and Communications.
    • The Union would have powers necessary to raise the finances to manage the subjects.
    • All subjects other than the Union subjects and all the residuary powers would be vested in the provinces.
    • Thus, the Cabinet Mission plan proposed a weak Centre with Provincial autonomy – essentially proposing a federal structure of government.