Communal Awards & Poona-The Communal Award aimed to allocate separate electorates in British India for various communities including Forward Caste, Lower Caste, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and Untouchables (now referred to as Dalits). It is also referred to as the ‘McDonald Award‘. Across India, mass meetings were held, and political leaders of various persuasions such as Madan Mohan Malviya, B.R. Ambedkar, and M.C. Raja became actively involved. Eventually, they succeeded in reaching an agreement known as the ‘Poona Pact’.
The Communal Award: Minority Representation Proposal
On August 16, 1932, a proposal was announced by McDonald regarding minority representation, famously known as the Communal Award. This proposal advocated for communal electorates. It is also recognized as the ‘McDonald Award’.
Nationwide Response
Mass meetings were organized across India in response to this proposal. Political leaders from various backgrounds, such as Madan Mohan Malviya, B.R. Ambedkar, and M.C. Raja, actively engaged in the discussions and negotiations.
The Poona Pact: Agreement Reached
Ultimately, after deliberations, an agreement was reached known as the ‘Poona Pact’. This marked a significant milestone in Indian politics and communal relations.
Communal Award (16 August 1932)
On August 16, 1932, the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal Award, proposing separate electorates in British India for various communities including the Forward Caste, Lower Caste, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and Untouchables (now known as Dalits).
Poona Pact: Granting New Rights to Dalits
The Poona Pact, signed on September 24, 1932, was an agreement among Hindu leaders in India aimed at granting new rights to Dalits, also known as low-caste Hindu groups or “untouchables.” It was negotiated in Poona (now Pune, Maharashtra).
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Origin: Communal Award
The pact was a response to the Communal Award of August 4, 1932, a proposal by the British government to allot seats in India’s various legislatures to different communities. This proposal aimed to address tensions between communal interests.
Dalit Support
Dalit leaders, notably Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, supported the Communal Award, seeing it as a means for Dalits to advance their interests and rights.
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Gandhi’s Opposition
However, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the provision of a separate electorate for Dalits, fearing it would undermine Hindu unity and weaken India’s struggle for independence.
Gandhi’s Protest
Despite being imprisoned, Gandhi initiated a fast unto death on September 18, 1932, protesting the provisions of the Poona Pact and advocating for Hindu unity.
Ambedkar’s Stand and Compromise
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar remained steadfast in his support for separate electorates until Gandhi’s health was severely compromised. Eventually, under pressure, he and other Hindu leaders reached a compromise, resulting in the Poona Pact. This pact abandoned the idea of separate electorates but ensured increased representation for Dalits within the Hindu electorate for a specified period of ten years.
Compromise and Complaints
Ambedkar voiced his dissatisfaction, alleging coercion and blackmail during the negotiation process. However, the pact symbolized a significant turning point as it initiated the movement against “untouchability” within the broader Indian nationalist movement.
Provisions of the Pact:
Abandonment of Separate Electorates: The pact discarded the concept of separate electorates for the depressed classes. Instead, it increased the number of reserved seats for the depressed classes from 71 to 147 in provincial legislatures and designated 18% of seats in the central legislature.
Election Procedure: Elections to these reserved seats would be conducted through joint electorates. However, a specific procedure was outlined: all registered members of the Depressed Classes in a constituency would form an electoral college, which would then elect a panel of four candidates from the Depressed Classes for each reserved seat using the single vote method. The top four candidates from this primary election would compete in the general electorate.
Duration of Primary Election System: The system of primary elections for candidate panels would be in place for the initial ten years unless terminated earlier by mutual agreement.
Continuation of Reserved Seats: The representation of Depressed Classes through reserved seats would persist until altered by mutual agreement between the concerned communities.
Franchise of the Depressed Classes: The franchise of the Depressed Classes would follow the guidelines outlined in the Lothian Committee (Indian Franchise Committee) Report.
No Discrimination: No discrimination based on membership in the Depressed Classes would be permitted in elections to local bodies or appointments to public services. Efforts would be made to ensure fair representation of the Depressed Classes in these areas.
Education Facilities: A portion of the educational grant in each province would be allocated specifically to provide educational opportunities for members of the Depressed Classes.
Faqs
1. Question: What is the significance of the Poona Pact in Indian history?
Answer: The Poona Pact, signed on September 24, 1932, was a crucial agreement between Hindu leaders and Dalit activists, including Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. It marked a compromise regarding the provision of separate electorates for Dalits proposed in the Communal Award. Instead, it ensured increased representation for Dalits within the Hindu electorate, fostering unity and marking a pivotal moment in the fight against caste discrimination.
2. Question: Who were the key figures involved in the negotiation of the Poona Pact?
Answer: The negotiation of the Poona Pact involved prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, Madan Mohan Malviya, and M.C. Raja. Gandhi, representing the opposition to separate electorates, and Ambedkar, advocating for Dalit rights, played central roles in reaching a compromise.
3. Question: How did the Poona Pact impact the representation of Dalits in Indian politics?
Answer: The Poona Pact led to an increase in the number of reserved seats for Dalits in legislatures, providing them with greater political representation. This ensured that their voices were heard in decision-making processes, contributing to the advancement of Dalit rights and interests within the political landscape of India.
4. Question: What role did Mahatma Gandhi play in the negotiation of the Poona Pact?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi played a significant role in the negotiation of the Poona Pact by advocating for the unity of Hindus and opposing the provision of separate electorates for Dalits. Despite his initial resistance, he eventually agreed to a compromise, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining Hindu unity while addressing the concerns of Dalit representation.
5. Question: How did the Poona Pact contribute to the broader Indian nationalist movement?
Answer: The Poona Pact marked a significant milestone in the Indian nationalist movement as it addressed the issue of caste discrimination and promoted unity among different communities. By finding a middle ground between conflicting interests, it strengthened the collective struggle for independence and laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society in post-colonial India.