Nehru Report: The Nehru Report represented an important moment in the constitutional history of India. While it did not lead to immediate political changes, it contributed to the broader dialogue on self-governance and constitutional reforms in British India, which eventually led to India gaining independence and adopting its own constitution.

Nehru Report

The Nehru Report was a significant political document and a proposal for constitutional reform in British India. It was named after Motilal Nehru, the president of the All-Parties Conference, which was convened in 1928 to draft a report on constitutional changes for India. The report was aimed at addressing the growing demand for self-governance and the need for constitutional reforms in British India. Here are the key details about the Nehru Report:

Background:

• In the early 20th century, there was a growing demand for constitutional reforms in British India, fueled by the desire for self-governance and greater representation in the legislative and administrative processes.
• The British government was also considering reforms and constitutional changes in response to these demands.

Key Features of the Nehru Report: The Nehru Report was prepared by a committee led by Motilal Nehru and was presented in August 1928. It had several important features:

• Dominion Status: The report demanded that India be granted Dominion Status within the British Commonwealth, which meant self-governance under the British Crown.
• Federal Structure: It proposed a federal form of government for India with strong provincial autonomy. The federal structure was envisaged to include the provinces of British India and the princely states.
• Representation: The Nehru Report suggested the establishment of a bicameral legislature at the center. It recommended a lower house (Legislative Assembly) to be elected on the basis of adult suffrage and an upper house (Council of States) to be elected by the provincial assemblies.
• Safeguards: The report also included safeguards for religious and linguistic minorities to protect their rights and interests.
• Fundamental Rights: The Nehru Report outlined a list of fundamental rights that were to be enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
• Freedom of Trade and Commerce: It proposed the freedom of trade and commerce throughout the territory of India.

Reception and Criticism:

• The Nehru Report was received with mixed reactions. While it was seen as a significant step toward self-governance, it also faced criticism from some quarters.
• The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, expressed dissatisfaction with the report. They argued that it did not adequately address the concerns and rights of Muslims.

Outcome:

• The Nehru Report was a crucial step in the constitutional development of India. It laid the foundation for future discussions and negotiations on constitutional reforms.
• In response to the criticisms and demands of various groups, the British government initiated discussions that ultimately led to the Round Table Conferences, where different political parties and groups discussed and debated constitutional reforms.
• The report set the stage for further political developments, eventually culminating in the Government of India Act 1935 and, later, the framing of the Indian Constitution in 1950.

Download Nehru Report Notes PDF in Hindi

Download Nehru Report Notes PDF in English

Follow on Facebook

By Team Learning Mantras