4
* Cripps Proposals
Text of Constitutional Proposals
MADE BY
The Right Honourable Sir Stafford Cripps
His Majesty’s Government, having considered the anxieties expressed in this country and India, as to the fulfilment of promises made in regard to the future of India, have decided to lay down in precise and clear terms the steps which there-upon shall be taken for earliest possible realisation of Self-Government in India. The object is the creation of a new Indian Union which shall constitute a Dominion associated with the United Kingdom and other Dominions by common allegiance to the Crown but equal to them in every respect, in no way subordinate in any aspect of its domestic and external affairs.
His Majesty’s Government therefore make the following declaration:—
(a) Immediately upon cessation of hostilities steps shall be taken to set up in India in the manner described hereafter an elected body charged with the task of framing new constitution for India.
(b) Provision shall be made as set out below for participation of Indian States in the constitution making body.
(c) His Majesty’s Government undertake to accept and implement forthwith the constitution so framed subject only to :—
(1) Right of any province in British India that is not prepared to accept the new constitution to retain its present constitutional position, provision being made for its subsequent accession, if it so decides with such non-acceeding provinces. Should they so desire, His Majesty’s Government will be prepared to agree upon
- Report of Depressed Class Conferences, Nagpur Session, held on July 18, 19 and
20, 1942, pp. 98-99.