Q. Which one of the following suggested the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council in which all the portfolios including that of War Members were to be held by the Indian leaders?
(a) Simon Commission
(b) Simla Conference
(c) Cripps Proposal
(d) Cabinet Mission
Ans: (c) Cripps Proposal
Explanation: The suggestion for the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council in which all the portfolios, including that of War Members, were to be held by Indian leaders, was put forward in the (c) Cripps Proposal.
The Cripps Proposal, officially known as the “Statement by Sir Stafford Cripps,” was an attempt by the British government to seek Indian cooperation in the war effort during World War II while addressing Indian demands for self-rule. The proposal was introduced by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British War Cabinet, in March 1942.
Under the Cripps Proposal, it was suggested that the Viceroy’s Executive Council would be reconstituted with the inclusion of Indian leaders. This new council would have full control over all the portfolios, including that of War Members, effectively transferring power to Indian hands. The proposal also included the provision of drafting a new Indian constitution after the war.
However, the Cripps Proposal did not gain acceptance from Indian political leaders due to several limitations and ambiguities, leading to its rejection by both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
Therefore, option (c) Cripps Proposal is the correct answer as the proposal that suggested the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council with Indian leaders holding all the portfolios, including that of War Members.
