Correct answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
- A
1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Cabinet Mission (1946) recommended a three-tier federal structure with a Union of India, groups of provinces, and provinces, and a weak Centre limited to foreign affairs, defence and communications. That federal plan is the only accurate claim among the three. Statements 2 and 3 are not part of the Mission’s scheme. This option (1 only) is therefore the official key.
- B
2 and 3
This pairing treats statements 2 and 3 as correct. The Mission did not enlarge the powers of the Indian courts, nor did it provide for more Indians in the ICS; those were not Cabinet Mission recommendations. Because 2 and 3 fail, this option is not the key.
- C
1 and 3
This pairing keeps statement 1 (federal government) but adds statement 3 (more Indians in the ICS). The ICS expansion claim is false, so 1 and 3 together cannot be the answer. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
None
None would be right only if statement 1 also failed. The Mission did recommend a federal Union, so ‘none’ is incorrect. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) 1 only. The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a federal Union with grouped provinces and a Centre confined to a few subjects. It did not recast the powers of Indian courts. It also did not lay down a scheme to increase Indians in the ICS. Hence only statement 1 stands. Options that add 2 or 3, or that reject all three, miss the Plan.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
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