Question

The Cabinet Mission came to India in:
1. February 1942
2. March 1942
3. April 1942
4. May 1942
5. None of the above/More than one of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 5 : None of the above/More than one of the above

The correct answer is None of the above/More than one of the above.

• Cabinet Mission:
  • The Cabinet Mission came to India with the objective to discuss the transfer of powers from the British government to the Indian leadership.
  • The aim to safeguard India's unity and granting its independence.
  • Cabinet Mission was a high-powered mission sent in February 1946 to India by the Atlee Government (British Prime Minister.)
  • The mission had three British cabinet members – Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, & and A.V. Alexander.
  • Clement Atlee (British Prime Minister) decided to send a mission to India for the transfer of powers from the British Indian government to Indian leaders.

• Objectives:
  • To obtain an agreement with the Indian leaders as to the framing of a constitution for India.
  • To formulate a constitution-making body (the Constituent Assembly of India).
  • To establish an Executive Council with the support of the major Indian parties.
• Reason for failure:
  • The Congress Party wanted a strong centre with minimum powers for the provinces.
  • The Muslim League wanted strong political safeguards for the Muslims like parity in the legislatures.
  • Since both parties had many ideological differences and could not find common ground, the mission came up with its own set of proposals in May 1946.