The Nehru Report was the first major Indian attempt to draft a constitution for the country, prepared in response to the Simon Commission (1928), which had excluded Indians from constitutional discussions. It reflected the aspirations of Indian leaders for self-government within the British Empire.
Background
-
The Simon Commission (1928) did not include any Indian members, provoking nationwide protests.
-
Indian leaders decided to prepare their own constitutional proposal.
-
A committee was formed under Motilal Nehru in December 1928, with Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, S. Srinivasa Iyengar, and others as members.
Main Provisions of the Nehru Report
-
Dominion Status: India would have full internal self-government while remaining part of the British Commonwealth.
-
Constitutional Monarchy: The British monarch would remain the head of state with limited powers.
-
Parliamentary System: Proposed a bicameral legislature at the center and responsible provincial governments.
-
Fundamental Rights: Included freedom of speech, equality before law, and protection of minorities.
-
Official Language: Recommended Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu) as the national language.
-
Minority Rights: Reserved seats for minorities in legislatures, but separate electorates for Muslims were rejected, which later caused disagreements.
Response and Opposition
-
Widely accepted by Indian National Congress as a basis for constitutional reforms.
-
Muslim League, under Jinnah, rejected it because it denied separate electorates and adequate safeguards for Muslims.
-
Other communities and regional leaders also had reservations about representation and minority rights.
Significance of the Nehru Report
-
Marked the first comprehensive Indian proposal for self-rule and governance.
-
Strengthened the argument for Dominion Status, influencing later constitutional debates.
-
Highlighted differences between Congress and Muslim League, foreshadowing communal tensions.
-
Served as a blueprint for future constitutional reforms, including the Government of India Act (1935).
-
Mobilized political activity and debate among Indians about constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Key Takeaway
The Nehru Report (1928) was a milestone in India’s constitutional history, asserting the right of Indians to decide their own governance. While it was limited by disagreements over minority safeguards, it laid the foundation for future struggles for self-rule and independence.