The Poona Pact was an agreement signed on 24th September 1932 between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Yerwada Jail, Poona. It was a direct outcome of the opposition to the Communal Award, which had granted separate electorates to the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes).
Background
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The Communal Award (1932) by Ramsay MacDonald introduced separate electorates for Depressed Classes, in addition to other minorities.
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Gandhi strongly opposed this, fearing it would divide Hindu society permanently.
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Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerwada Jail on 20th September 1932, demanding withdrawal of separate electorates for Dalits.
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To prevent Gandhi’s death and to safeguard Dalit rights, negotiations were held between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
Terms of the Poona Pact
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Separate electorates for Depressed Classes were withdrawn.
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Instead, reserved seats were provided for Depressed Classes within the general Hindu electorate.
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The number of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes in provincial legislatures was increased from 71 (in the Communal Award) to 148.
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Adequate representation for Scheduled Castes in public services and educational institutions was promised.
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Both parties agreed to work for the social, political, and economic upliftment of the Depressed Classes.
Significance
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Ended Gandhi’s fast and preserved Hindu social unity.
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Strengthened the political safeguards for Scheduled Castes through enhanced representation.
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Marked a historic compromise between national unity and social justice.
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Showed Gandhi’s moral force and Ambedkar’s pragmatism in negotiation.
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Laid the foundation for affirmative action policies in independent India.
Key Takeaway
The Poona Pact of 1932 was a landmark agreement that resolved the conflict over separate electorates for Dalits. It balanced Gandhi’s vision of Hindu unity with Ambedkar’s demand for Dalit rights, ensuring increased political representation and laying the groundwork for social justice in modern India.