Nehru Report

The Nehru Report of 1928 was a plan for India’s future government, created by a group led by Motilal Nehru. It aimed to bring different Indian groups together under one system of self-rule. However, some groups, like the Muslim League and radical nationalists, did not agree with it.

Why Was the Nehru Report Created?

The British government had set up the Simon Commission in 1927 to suggest changes in India’s government, but it did not include any Indian members. This angered Indian leaders, so they decided to make their own plan for how India should be governed. Motilal Nehru and his team wrote this plan, which became known as the Nehru Report.

What Did the Nehru Report Suggest?

1. Dominion Status – India would still be part of the British Empire but would govern itself.
2. One United India – British-controlled India and princely states would come together under one system.
3. One Voting System – All communities would vote together, instead of separate elections for different groups.
4. Basic Rights – Every person would have rights like freedom of speech and religion.
5. Two-House Parliament – There would be two groups of lawmakers: a Senate (7-year term) and a House of Representatives (5-year term).
6. Voting Rights for All Adults – Every adult, including women, could vote.
7. Limiting British Power – The British Governor-General would have to follow the advice of Indian leaders.
8. Language-Based States – States would be formed based on language so people could communicate easily.
9. No Religious Influence on Government – Religion would not control government decisions.
10. Minority Rights – The report promised to protect the rights of different religious groups, especially Muslims.

Why Did Some People Oppose It?

• Muslim League: They wanted separate elections for Muslims to ensure their voices were heard.
• Radical Nationalists: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose wanted complete independence, not just self-rule under the British.
• Congress Party: Some leaders supported the report, while others wanted a stronger demand for full freedom.

What Happened Next?

The Nehru Report did not get full support from all Indian groups. It showed that Indians were becoming more politically active, but also that there were big differences in their ideas for India’s future. Since the British did not agree to the report’s suggestions, more Indians started demanding complete independence, leading to movements like Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement.

Conclusion

The Nehru Report was an important step in India’s fight for self-rule. Even though it was not accepted by everyone, it helped Indian leaders think about how their country should be governed. It also showed that India’s freedom struggle would not be easy, as different groups had different views on how to achieve independence.