The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a two-tiered federal union of British Provinces and Princely States. With reference to this describe the following:

(a) Name the persons who constituted the Cabinet Mission. What was the purpose of sending the Cabinet Mission to India in 1946?

(b) The federal structure proposed by the Cabinet Mission Plan.

(c) The option given to the Princely States.

(a) The Cabinet Mission consisted of three cabinet members:

1. Pethic Lawrence, the Secretary of State
2. Sir Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade
3. A.V. Alexander, the First Lord of Admiralty

The purpose of sending the Cabinet Mission to India in 1946 was to help the Indian leaders decide the form of government that would suit them after the transfer of power.

(b) The Cabinet Mission proposed a two-tier federal plan which was expected to maintain national unity while conceding the largest measure of regional autonomy.

1. There was to be a federal union of the British Provinces and the Princely States. The Union Government (Central Government) should deal with the following Subjects:
   
   1. Foreign Affairs
   2. Defence
   3. Communication
      The Union Government should have the power to raise the finances required for the above mentioned subjects. The Union would have its own executive and legislature composed of members elected by all Provinces.
2. The Provinces would enjoy full autonomy for all subjects other than the Union subjects.

(c) According to the Cabinet Mission plan, the Provinces would enjoy full autonomy for all subjects other than the Union subjects.

1. The British Provinces would be divided into three groups.
2. Each group could determine the provincial subjects to be taken in common.
3. A province could opt out of any group and join another by a majority of votes.