Chapter # 1 – Pakistan’s Ideology and its Historical Background
1.4.4. Discuss the Important Features of 3rd June Plan 1947
Background
The 3 June Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, was a significant proposal put forward by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, on June 3, 1947. This plan laid the groundwork for the partition of British India and the creation of two separate dominions, India and Pakistan.
Key features of the 3 June Plan:
- The British government won’t enforce its constitution on India. Instead, the Indian Constituent Assembly will draft a constitution for governing the Indian union. However, units unwilling to adopt this constitution can form their own constituent assemblies to create their preferred constitutions.
- Provincial assemblies can choose which constituent assembly to join. Specific formulas were outlined for Punjab, Bengal, NWFP, Balochistan, and Sylhet district in East Bengal.
- Princely states were given the choice to join either new state based on their geography and other conditions, or to remain independent through treaty arrangements.
- The British would transfer power to one of the two successor states, both of which would achieve Dominion status within the same year.
The outcome of the Third June Plan 1947
The outcome of the Third June Plan in 1947 marked a significant turning point. When the British announced the plan to partition India on June 3rd, 1947, it was met with approval from local political parties such as the Congress and the League. This paved the way for Indian independence and the creation of two separate states in the subcontinent.
To enact the Third June Plan, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act on July 15th, 1947. According to this act, the Indian subcontinent would be partitioned into two dominion states, India and Pakistan, on August 15th, 1947. Each state would have full legislative freedom. Until they formulated their own constitutions, they would operate under the Government of India Act as a provisional constitution. Pakistan came into existence on August 14th, followed by India’s declaration of independence on August 15th.
Significance of the Third June Plan of 1947
The Third June Plan of 1947 marked the formal acceptance of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent into Pakistan and India. Despite initial opposition from the British and Congress, they eventually acknowledged that partition was the only viable solution. This plan paved the way for the Indian Independence Act of 1947, ultimately leading to the establishment of Pakistan as a Muslim nation. Today, it is widely recognized as a success of Mr. Jinnah and the League’s vision and struggle. Quaid-e-Azam’s unwavering demand for Pakistan, despite resistance from Lord Mountbatten and Congress, remained steadfast throughout the struggle.
Amazing notes