Indian Legal and Constitutional History- Communal Awards and Poona Pact

Background

We all know Civil Disobedience Movement, which started with Dandi Yatra. However Britain didn't consider demands for dominion and self rule. Later they organized some round table conferences to look into to the demands of Indians.

Left wing Labour Party was Ruling British during 1930s. Their prime minister Ramsay MacDonald consider himself a friend of Indian. He wanted to solve the problems of representation.

He provided simple solution. He provided reservation for all in legislature. Forward caste, depressed caste, Muslims, Sikhs and all (Aren't we doing the same today ?.)  Many leaders didn't like this solution like Gandhiji. Many also supported like Dr Ambedkar. This was also known as Communal Award

Gandhiji started a fast saying that such a move would divide Hindu society. He was fine with concession granted to Muslims and other religious minorities. Separate electorates for Dalits was a ploy to divided society as he believed. Dr Ambedkar, on other hand felt that Dalits was oppressed by Hindu society, and he was fine with communal Award. Finally compromise was arrived with interference of another leaders like Madan Mohan Malviya and Dr Rajendra Prasad.

Provisions of Poona Pact

  • 18 percent seats would be reserved for the Depressed Classes in the Central Legislature
  • 148 seats would be reserved for the depressed classes in the Provincial Legislature (Law making bodies at state level), However, joint electorate was retained.
  • Adequate representation would be give to the Depressed Classes in the local bodies and public service
  • In every province an adequate sum would be provided for promoting literacy among the Depressed Classes.
  • Representation of the depressed classes in the central Legislature would be on the principle of joint electorates.
  • No disability would be attached to any due on the ground of his being a member of the Depressed classes in regard to any elections to local bodies or appointment to the public service 

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