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NDA 1 2024 GAT, question 138

Topic: History

Q138

Consider the following statements about the issue of separate electorate during the early decades of the twentieth century in India as a means to secure adequate representation for the deprived social categories in the absence of universal adult franchise :

  1. The All India Depressed Classes Association of M.C. Rajah was staunchly in favour of joint electorate.

  2. The All India Depressed Classes Leaders' Conference demanded separate electorate.

  3. The Communal Award in September 1932 recognised the right to separate electorate for the ‘untouchables’.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 onlyCorrect answer
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 and 3 only
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

  1. Statement 1 is correct: M.C. Rajah's All India Depressed Classes Association favoured joint electorates.
  2. Statement 2 is correct: the All India Depressed Classes Leaders' Conference demanded separate electorates.
  3. Statement 3 is wrong: the Communal Award was announced in August 1932, not September.

Trap: The Award did give the depressed classes separate electorates; statement 3 fails only on the month, since September 1932 was the Poona Pact.