The Policy of Equal Federation, as outlined in the Government of India Act of 1935, was an attempt to incorporate the princely states into the broader political framework. Here are the key points about this policy:
- Federal Assembly Composition:
- The Act proposed a Federal Assembly with a total of 375 seats. Out of these, 125 seats were allocated for princes.
- Council of States Representation:
- Similarly, the Council of States was proposed to have 160 seats, out of which 104 were reserved for princes.
- Ratification Requirement:
- For this scheme to be implemented, it required ratification by states representing more than half of the population and entitled to more than half of the seats in the Council of States.
- Nomination vs. Democratic Representation:
- The representatives sent by the states to the Federal Legislative Assembly were intended to be nominees of the rulers rather than being democratically elected by the people.
- The objective of the Policy:
- The primary objective of this policy was to secure the support and cooperation of the Princely States to mitigate the influence and power of the National Movement.
- British Loyalty:
- The Native States’ rulers were expected to maintain their allegiance to the British Crown. This requirement was reflected in their role in selecting representatives for the federation arrangement.
- Abandonment after World War II:
- The outbreak of World War II in September 1939 led to the abandonment of this scheme. The geopolitical and strategic considerations of the war overshadowed the implementation of this policy.
In essence, the Policy of Equal Federation aimed to integrate the princely states into the proposed federal structure, with an emphasis on maintaining their loyalty to the British Crown. However, this policy never came to fruition, as it was set aside in the wake of the global conflict.
FAQs
Q: What was the Policy of Equal Federation (1935-1947)?
A: The Policy of Equal Federation, introduced during the British colonial rule in India, aimed to establish a federal system granting equal representation and autonomy to various provinces and princely states within the Indian subcontinent.
Q: How did the Policy of Equal Federation impact provincial autonomy?
A: The policy granted significant autonomy to provinces, allowing them to have control over their internal affairs such as education, health, and agriculture. Each province had its legislative assembly and executive council responsible for governance, thereby promoting decentralization of power.
Q: What role did princely states play in the Policy of Equal Federation?
A: Princely states were offered the option to join the federation voluntarily, maintaining their internal sovereignty while sharing certain responsibilities with the central government. However, many princely states remained independent entities, complicating the implementation of the federal structure.
Q: What challenges did the Policy of Equal Federation face during its implementation?
A: One of the significant challenges was the reluctance of princely states to accede to the federation, leading to administrative and political complexities. Additionally, the rise of nationalist movements and communal tensions posed obstacles to the smooth functioning of the federal system.
Q: How did the Policy of the Equal Federation pave the way for India’s independence?
A: While the policy aimed to address regional disparities and foster unity, it also highlighted the need for a more inclusive and unified approach to governance. Ultimately, the struggle for independence led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, coupled with the failure of the federal system to accommodate diverse interests, paved the way for India’s independence in 1947.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
