UPSC CSE Prelims
Cripps Mission Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:
- The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
- 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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
The Cripps Mission (1942) proposed constitutional arrangements that included provisions for provinces unwilling to accept the new constitution. Statement 2 is correct as it accurately reflects this proposal, while Statement 1 contains a subtle but critical error regarding the composition of the Constituent Assembly.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Cripps Mission proposed that Constituent Assembly members would be elected by Provincial Assemblies, but nominated by the rulers in case of Princely States. The statement uses "nominated by" for both, which is factually incorrect for Provincial Assemblies.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The mission explicitly allowed provinces that did not accept the new constitution to have the right to sign separate agreements with Britain regarding their future status, giving them an opt-out provision.
📝 Short Notes: Cripps Mission (1942)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Sent by British PM Winston Churchill in March 1942, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, to secure Indian cooperation during World War II |
| Main Proposals | • Dominion status for India after the war • Constitution-making body with members elected by Provincial Assemblies and nominated by Princely State rulers • Provinces could opt out and form separate unions • British control over defense during the war |
| Why Rejected | • Congress wanted immediate transfer of power, not post-war promises • Muslim League objected to grouping formula • No real transfer of power during the war • Provision for partition implicit in opt-out clause |
| Gandhi's Remark | Called it a "post-dated cheque on a crashing bank" |
| Significance | First British acceptance of India's right to independence; recognized Princely States' importance; accepted principle of partition |
The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — India should be given Dominion status
The Cripps Mission of March 1942, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, proposed that after World War II, India would be granted Dominion status with the right to frame its own constitution through a constituent assembly. The plan envisaged that provinces unwilling to join the Indian Union could form separate unions with their own constitutions. However, the plan did not promise immediate complete independence or partition; rather, it offered post-war Dominion status similar to that of Canada or Australia, allowing India to remain within the British Commonwealth. Both Congress and the Muslim League rejected the proposals—Congress demanded immediate independence, while the League found the provisions regarding separate unions inadequate. The mission ultimately failed to secure Indian cooperation for the war effort.
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