UPSC Polity Question
With reference to the Communal Award, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced on the recommendations of Simon Commission. 2. It introduced separate electorates for Sikhs, Indian Christians, and Anglo-Indians for the first time. 3. It led to the signing of Poona Pact which gave reserved seats to the depressed classes. How many statements given above are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Correct Answer:
A. Only one
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Communal Award was based on the findings of the Indian Franchise (Lothian) Committee, not the Simon Commission. Statement 2 is incorrect: Separate electorates for Sikhs, Indian Christians, and Anglo-Indians were introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919. The Communal Award extended this to the depressed classes. Statement 3 is correct: Mahatma Gandhi's fast unto death in protest of the award led to the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates for the depressed classes with a system of reserved seats.