In 1932, the British Communal Award granted separate electorates to Depressed Classes, pitting Gandhi (who saw it as a threat to Hindu unity) against Ambedkar (who saw it as essential for political representation). Gandhi's fast-unto-death forced the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with increased reserved seats — a system India retains today. This is a landmark event in India's constitutional history and a frequent UPSC/MPSC exam topic.
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- ›Award Date: August 16, 1932
- ›Announced By: British PM Ramsay MacDonald
- ›Target this Data: Communal Award announced on August 16, 1932 by British PM Ramsay MacDonald
- ›Target this Data: Poona Pact signed on September 24, 1932; increased reserved seats from 71 to 148 in provinces
- ›Target this Data: Current Lok Sabha has 84 SC seats and 47 ST seats (total 543)
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