With reference to the Mountbatten Plan, consider the following statements.

1. Also known as the 3rd June plan.

2. Referendum for North West Frontier Provinces.

3. Principle of partition of British India was accepted by the British Government.

4. Princely states were given the right to join either India or Pakistan.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

Solution

· Statement 1 is correct: Clement Attlee announced the plan in the House of Commons on 3rd June 1947, hence it came to be known as 3rd June plan. The 3rd june Plan was given effect by the Indian Independence Act 1947. · Statement 2 is correct: As per the plan a referendum would be taken in the North West Frontier Province to ascertain whether it should join Pakistan or not. · Statement 3 is correct: Principle of the partition of British India was accepted by the British Government The plan approved of the fact that, if the areas with the majority of the Muslim population so desired, they should be allowed to form a separate Dominion. A new constituent assembly would be set up for that purpose. But there would be a partition of Bengal and Punjab if the representatives of the Hindu majority districts in the Legislatures of those provinces so desired · Statement 4 is correct: The princely states were given the right to join either India or Pakistan, based on two major factors; Geographical contiguity and the people’s wish who reside in that particular princely state.