NEW YORK: A plan for the revision of the Indian constitution is reported in the American News Mag­azine “Time”. The paper says that Lord Wav­ell will return to India shortly with a plan which will place completely in Indian hands the administration of all domestic affairs, except Defence and Finance. The paper describes the new proposals as a modification of the Cripps Plan inte­nded to operate temporarily until either independence or dominion status is granted to India.

Lord Wavell’s first move on returning to India, it is stated, will be to release all political prisoners now imprisoned, to call a special joint sessions of the Legislative Assembly and Council of State to discuss the new proposals and to explain the plan to political leaders of all Indian parties.

The plan … has three main points. Firstly, the Congress and the Muslim League must agree to equal representation on the Executive Council. Secondly, the Viceroy will retain control over all matters relating to Finance, Defence and Foreign Affairs. Thirdly, all other matters would be controlled by the Legislative Assembly, which would have power to overthrow the Government and change the Executive Council by a vote of censure. Lord Wavell has high hopes the plan will be accepted, the paper adds.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2020