The Interim Government of India, (First Interim Govt. of Independent India) also known as the Provisional Government of India, was established on 2 September 1946, emerging from the newly elected Constituent Assembly of India. Tasked with facilitating the transition of British India to independence, it operated until 15 August 1947, coinciding with the independence and partition of British India into the dominions of India and Pakistan.
Formation of the First Interim Govt. of Independent India:
After the conclusion of World War II, British authorities in India released political prisoners involved in the Quit India movement. Subsequently, the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League participated in elections for a constituent assembly, responding to the call for self-rule. The 1946 Cabinet Mission was dispatched by the newly elected government of Clement Attlee to India, aimed at formulating proposals for establishing a government leading to Indian independence.
Composition and Structure:
The Constituent Assembly elections were not direct, with members elected from provincial legislative assemblies. The Indian National Congress secured a significant majority, holding about 69% of seats, predominantly in Hindu-majority areas. Meanwhile, the Muslim League won seats allocated to the Muslim electorate.
The Viceroy’s Executive Council transitioned into the interim government’s executive branch, initially led by the Viceroy of India. It evolved into a council of ministers, with the vice-president of the Council, Jawaharlal Nehru, assuming prime ministerial powers. Following independence, all members, except for the Viceroy, who became the Governor-General, were Indian.
Key Figures and Responsibilities:
Prominent Congress leader Vallabhbhai Patel held a crucial position in the Council, overseeing the Department of Home Affairs and Information and Broadcasting. Other notable figures included Baldev Singh, responsible for Defence; Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari, heading Education and Arts; and Asaf Ali, in charge of Railways and Transport. Upon the Muslim League’s inclusion, Liaquat Ali Khan managed Finance, Abdur Rab Nishtar handled Posts and Air, and Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar led Commerce. Additionally, Jogendra Nath Mandal, a Scheduled Caste Hindu politician nominated by the League, oversaw the Department of Law.
List of First Interim Govt. of Independent India:- First Interim Cabinet
| Office | Name | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Viceroy and Governor-General of India | The Viscount Wavell | Independent |
| President of the Executive Council | Jawaharlal Nehru | Indian National Congress |
| Commander-in-Chief | Sir Claude Auchinleck | Independent |
| Vice President of the Executive Council External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations | Jawaharlal Nehru | Indian National Congress |
| Home Affairs | Vallabhbhai Patel | Indian National Congress |
| Information and Broadcasting | Vallabhbhai Patel | Indian National Congress |
| Agriculture and Food | Rajendra Prasad | Indian National Congress |
| Arts, Education and Health | C. Rajagopalachari | Indian National Congress |
| Commerce | C.H. Bhabha | Indian National Congress |
| Defence | Baldev Singh | Indian National Congress |
| Finance (1950) | Liaquat Ali Khan | Indian National Congress |
| Industries and Supplies | C. Rajagopalachari | Indian National Congress |
| Labour | Jagjivan Ram | Indian National Congress |
| Law | Syed Ali Zaheer | Indian National Congress |
| Railways and Communications Post and Air | Asaf Ali | Indian National Congress |
| Works, Mines and Power | Sarat Bose | Indian National Congress |
The Interim Government of India played a pivotal role in guiding the nation through the transition to independence. Comprising representatives from various political factions, it navigated the complexities of governance during a crucial period in India’s history, laying the groundwork for the country’s emergence as a sovereign nation.