Here is a short form version of Muhammad al Jinnah’s attempt to reform the Indian constitution to protect the rights of Muslims in 1929.
- The government should be federal. (This meant there would be a central government and provincial governments, and any powers not given to the central government would belong to the provinces.)
- All provinces will have equal autonomy.
- Minorities must have effective representation in the legislatures and other elected groups in every province.
- At least 1/3 of the central legislature will be Muslim.
- Communities can choose whether to have a separate or joint electorate.
- No territorial changes can be made which affect the Muslim majority in Punjab, Bengal and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
- Full religious liberty – belief, observance, education, etc.
- If ¾ of a community’s representatives in a legislature think a bill would hurt their interests, the bill cannot be passed.
- Sindh should be separated from the Bombay Presidency.
- Implement reforms in NWFP and Baluchistan.
- Muslims should get an adequate share of government services.
- Muslim culture (education, language, religion, charities, etc.) should be protected and get a fair share of government money.
- Both central and provincial cabinets must have at least 1/3 Muslim ministers.
- Changes to the Constitution must be approved by States.
These points were approved by the All India Muslim League, but rejected by India’s Congress party.
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