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Poona Pact (1932) – UPSC Notes

Main Provisions of the Poona Pact ✔️ Separate electorates for Dalits were abolished. ✔️ Dalits got more reserved seats in legislatures
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Poona Pact (1932)

📅 Date: September 24, 1932
📍 Place: Yerawada Central Jail, Poona
🤝 Agreement Between: Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Background of the Poona Pact

  • British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald introduced the "Communal Award" (August 1932).

    • It granted separate electorates for Dalits (Depressed Classes), meaning Dalits would vote separately from the rest of Hindu society.

    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar supported this as it ensured political representation for Dalits.

  • Gandhiji opposed the separate electorates because he believed it would divide Hindus permanently.

  • Gandhiji went on a fast-unto-death in Yerawada Jail (Pune) to protest the separate electorates.

  • This created pressure on Ambedkar and other Dalit leaders to reach a compromise.

Main Provisions of the Poona Pact

✔️ Separate electorates for Dalits were abolished.
✔️ Dalits got more reserved seats in legislatures:

  • The Communal Award had given 71 seats, but after the pact, Dalits got 148 seats in provincial legislatures.
    ✔️ Dalits got more political rights:

  • They were assured fair representation in government jobs.
    ✔️ Financial help for Dalits:

  • The British agreed to provide grants for education and social upliftment of Dalits.

British Government Accepted the Poona Pact & Amended the Communal Award

  • The Poona Pact replaced the separate electorates with joint electorates and increased the number of reserved seats.

  • The British officially modified the Communal Award based on the Poona Pact agreement.

What Actually Happened? (In Simple Words)

✔️ The Communal Award initially gave Dalits a separate electorate.
✔️ Gandhi opposed it & started a fast, leading to the Poona Pact.
✔️ The Poona Pact removed separate electorates but increased reserved seats for Dalits.
✔️ The British accepted the Poona Pact and changed the Communal Award accordingly.

Significance of the Poona Pact

✅ Avoided division within Hindu society (as separate electorates could have isolated Dalits).
✅ Gave Dalits greater representation and rights in politics.
✅ Increased awareness of Dalit rights and led to later reforms in independent India.

However, Dr. Ambedkar was not fully satisfied and later worked for the upliftment of Dalits through constitutional measures, including reservations in education and jobs. 🚩

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