| With reference to the Indian Independence Plans, consider the following statements: |
| (i) The Mountbatten Plan proposed to transfer power without any delay unlike the Cripps offer which had an uncertain timing for the implementation of its proposal |
| (ii) In Mountbatten Plan the cessation of British sovereignty by the Indian Independence Act was not restricted by any provision for safeguarding the interests of minorities, while such a condition was an essential part of the Cripps Proposal of 1942 |
| Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
A) Only i
B) Only ii
C) Both i and ii
D) neither i nor ii
Correct Answer: C
Solution :
[c] The Indian Independence Act was based upon the Mountbatten plan of 3rd June 1947 and was passed by the British parliament on July 5, 1947. It received royal assent on July 18, 1947. Salient features: It provided for two dominion states: India and Pakistan. The boundaries between the two dominion states were to be determined by a Boundary Commission which was headed by Sir Cyril Radcliff. It provided for partition of Punjab & Bengal and separate boundary commissions to demarcate the boundaries between them Pakistan was to comprise West Punjab, East Bengal, Territories of the Sind, North West frontier provinces, Syllhat divisions of Assam, Bhawalpur, khairpur, Baluchistan and 8 other princely states of Baluchistan. The authority of the British Crown over the princely states ceased and they were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. Both the dominions of India and Pakistan were to have Governor Generals to be appointed by the British King. The act also provided for a common Governor General if both of them agreed. The constituent assemblies of both the states were free to make constitutions of their respective countries. For the time being till the constitution was made, both of them would be governed in accordance with the Government of India Act 1935. Any modification or omission could be done by the Governor General. British Government would not continue any control on any dominion. The Governor General was invested with adequate powers until March 1948 to issue orders for effective implementation of the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947. Those civil servants who had been appointed before August 15, 1947, will continue in service with same privileges.
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