UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 9: History and Culture
With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, members from the British Indian provinces were elected by the members of each Provincial Legislative Assembly, voting by proportional representation (single transferable vote) in separate communal groups. They were not chosen directly by the people, not nominated by the Congress and the Muslim League, and not picked by the government for expertise. Princely states' seats were filled through negotiation with the rulers.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. There was no direct election; adult franchise did not exist for this body.
- (b) Wrong. The parties contested through the assemblies; they did not nominate the members.
- (c) Correct. Provincial Legislative Assemblies elected the provincial members.
- (d) Wrong. The government did not select members for expertise.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.