THREE British Cabinet Ministers are going to India to discuss with leaders of Indian opinion, the framing of an Indian Constitution, says Reuter.

They are Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Secretary of State for India, Sir Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade and Mr. Albert Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty.

The announcement was made by Lord Pethick-Lawrence who said: “The House will recall that on 19th September, 1945, on his return to India after discussions with the British Government, the Viceroy made a statement of policy in the course of which he outlined the positive steps to be taken immediately after the central and provincial elections to promote in conjunction with leaders of Indian opinion early realisation of full self-government in India.

These steps include: First, preparatory discussions with elected representatives of British India and with Indian States in order to secure the widest measure of agreement as to the methods of framing a constitution. Second, the setting up of a constitution-making body and third, the bringing into being of an Executive Council having the support of the main Indian parties.

Elections at the Centre were held at the end of last year and in some of the provinces they are also over…

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2021