With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements : 1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States. 2. 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 ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (b)
• The Cripps Mission (March 1942) offered dominion status after the war and a Constitution-making body.
• Statement 1 is wrong: members of the constituent body were to be elected by the Provincial Assemblies (by proportional representation), while the Princely States would nominate their representatives; the statement wrongly says both would nominate.
• Statement 2 is correct: any province unwilling to accept the new constitution could remain outside and negotiate a separate agreement with Britain — a provision seen as conceding the principle of Pakistan.
• Congress rejected the offer as 'a post-dated cheque'; the Muslim League rejected it too.
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: provincial members were to be elected, not nominated.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Statement 2 is correct: the opt-out provision existed.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.