Signed by Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on September 24, 1932, at Yerwada Central Jail in Poona, India, the Poona Pact was an agreement to reserve separate electoral seats for the underprivileged sections of the society in the legislature of British India in 1932.The Poona Pact resulted from a large fraction of society raising their voices to secure rights in the interest of the Dalits in India. This agreement is also a result of the Communal Award of August 4, 1932. During the early twentieth century, the Indian political system was largely rifted due to the prevalence of various communal interests. After a series of negotiations, the British Govt. agreed on a proposal offered by the leaders at the forefront of the Dalit movement. 

In this proposal, the depressed classes or scheduled castes demanded adequate representation in the Legislative assembly. Dalit leader Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who spearheaded this proposal, fought against the inequality faced by the Dalit community. However, many national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi proposed a different plan to reserve seats in central and provincial assemblies for the depressed classes. By 1930 Ambedkar emerged as a national leader, fighting for the welfare of the depressed class. He represented the class in the first round table conference. Consequently, the proposal was eventually considered an important factor on the Indian political map. The Poona Pact helped reserve 71 seats in the central legislature for the marginalised sections of Indian society.

Historical background

• British prime minister Ramsay MacDonald announced separate electorates for the marginalised class. It included the Europeans, the Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, and Christians

• He announced an award intended to secure separate electorates for the British government. Two executives from the British govt. had already initiated reform acts, namely, Morley-Minto Reform of 1909 and Montagu-Chelmsford Reform of 1919
• As per the reforms, separate electorates were allocated for every community, giving them seats in the legislature. This meant that only the members from each of these communities would be eligible to vote
• Several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, were against the communal electorate. However, BR Ambedkar was one of the leaders who supported the award
• However, after prolonged sessions and discussion, they both agreed to withdraw the separate electorate system for the marginalised classes of society

Importance

• In the final settlement session with Gandhi, Ambedkar agreed to build a joint electorate for the marginalised candidates
• Moreover, over 180 seats were reserved in the legislature for depressed classes
• The Poona Pact 1932 also highlights the fair representation of the depressed sections of society and their contribution to the public sector
• The Pact strengthens their political voices and creates a fair chance for the oppressed section of society. It is a collaborative and affirmative program that uplifts the voice of the marginalised section and their interests

The difference in opinion among Gandhi and Ambedkar

• The two distinguished pillars of the Poona Pact were Gandhi and Ambedkar. However, they had different opinions concerning the proposal
• Ambedkar wanted to eliminate the ills of the caste system and aimed to take a step beyond reforms. However, Gandhi never wanted to abolish the caste system. He wanted to impose behavioural changes to eradicate the ills of the caste system
• Ambedkar viewed the caste system as a national and political problem, and he worked to uplift the marginalised section of society. He focused on equality and the political democracy of the depressed section. However, Mahatma Gandhi viewed the caste system as a social problem. He wanted to change the people’s outlook and bring them equal opportunities
• Ambedkar viewed the depressed section of society as Dalits. However, Gandhi prefers to address them as Harijan

Conclusion

The Poona Pact was a revolutionary step in India’s social and historical context. It was signed and brought into effect to secure the interests of the Dalits, eventually changing their destiny. It also highlights the fair representation of the depressed section of society and their contribution in the public service sector.In addition, it also showcased the different philosophies of Gandhi and Ambedkar to establish an egalitarian society in India.