Introduction

The 3rd June Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, was an important proposal that played a crucial role in the partition of British India and the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan. It was formulated on June 3, 1947, as a response to the growing demand for independence and solving the communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims. The 3rd June Plan aimed to address the issue of the future political structure of India and the division of territories along religious lines.

Salient Features of the 3rd June Plan

Partition of British India

The plan accepted the principle of the partition of British India, which led to the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan.

Dominion Status

The successor governments of India and Pakistan were to be given dominion status within the British Commonwealth.

Note: in the Nehru Report Congress demanded dominion status for India.

Provinces of the Punjab and Bengal

The provinces of the Punjab and Bengal were to be partitioned into Muslim-majority and Hindu-majority areas. A boundary commission was constituted with the job of demarcating the boundaries between India and Pakistan.

Sovereignty and Autonomy

The 3rd June Plan recognized the sovereignty and autonomy of both India and Pakistan which allowed them to make their constitutions.

Princely States

The 3rd June Plan provided the princely states with the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.

Referendum in N.W.F.P

The people of North West Frontier Province would decide their future through a referendum.

Importance of the 3rd June Plan:

Facilitated the Transfer of Power

The 3rd June Plan paved the way for the speedy transfer of power from British rule to the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan.

Addressed Communal Tensions

By accepting the principle of partition, the 3rd June Plan aimed to address the communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims, which had been a major source of conflict during the independence movement.

Framework for Independence

The 3rd June Plan provided a framework for the independence of India and Pakistan, which allowed them to establish their governments and determine their political futures.

Princely States Integration

The 3rd June Plan also offered a mechanism for the integration of princely states into either India or Pakistan.

Conclusion

In summary, the 3rd June Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, was a significant proposal that led to the partition of British India and the creation of India and Pakistan. It addressed communal tensions, provided a framework for independence, and facilitated the transfer of power.