Explain the following proposals of the Cabinet Mission to bring about a political settlement for the speedy transfer of power from British to Indian hands:

(a) A Federal Union including both the British India and Princely States

(b) Subjects to be retained by the Provinces and Princely States

(c) Setting up a Constituent Assembly

(d) Interim Government

(a) The Cabinet Mission proposed a Federal Union.

1. There was to be a Federal Union including both British India and the Princely States.
2. The Central Government was to have only three subjects under its jurisdiction:
   
   1. Defence
   2. Foreign affairs
   3. Communications
3. Of course, it would have the power to raise the finances required for these subjects.

(b) The Cabinet Mission proposed that all subjects other than the Central subjects (i.e. defence, foreign affairs and communications) would be under the control of the Provinces.

Thus, the proposals accepted the principle of Provincial Autonomy. The Princely States would retain all subjects and powers other than those ceded to the Union.

(c) The Cabinet Mission proposed that a Constituent Assembly would frame the Union Constitution.

1. It was to consist of 385 members — the Provinces were to elect 292 members, whereas Princely States were allocated 93 seats.
2. Members of the Provinces would be elected by Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
3. They would fall into these three categories — 210 Hindus, 78 Muslims and 4 Sikhs.
4. After a preliminary meeting the Constituent Assembly was to split into three sections.
5. Members of all the three groups would frame Provincial Constitutions for the provinces included in each group.
6. They would also decide whether any Regional Constitution should be set up for those Provinces.
7. Finally, the Constituent Assembly would meet again jointly and frame the Union constitution.
8. Thus the Cabinet Mission proposed a Federal Union with three tiers: the Provinces, the Regional Groups of Provinces and a Union Centre.

(d) The Cabinet Mission recommended the formation of an Interim Government at the Centre. For the time being, the Viceroy would reconstitute his Executive Council consisting of representatives of all communities.