The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 156
l 156 ] to the councils are concerned, the system does not seem to have produced any undesirable result. In my opinion, it should be mutually settled that after the satisfaction of the demands of the Muslim League and the attainment of Swaraj, the system of separate elector ates should remain in vogue for a period of ten years in those provinces, where either the Hindus or the Muslims should demand such a measure. During this period of ten years, it would be at the option of the community, at whose instance it was introduced, to give it up of its own accord. Otherwise, it would continue to work for the full term of ten years. After the expiry of ten years the system of joint electorates with reservation of seats should be introduced in those provinces where the Hindus or the Muslims are in a ,,veak minority, and should con t1nue to be in force till such time as the minority of its own choice should not forego its right. As for the Punjab and Bengal, the system of joint electorates with reservation of seats should be introduced for a fixed period of time upon the expiry of which, only the system of joint electorate should be retained. But the preliminary conditions of such an arrangement should be the actual attainment of dominion status, and the redress of Muslim grievances, so that the Muslim might reap full advantges of their opportunities and be able to stand upon their own legs. I consider it necessary to add that the above is put forward not as a formal proposal, but only as a sugges tion which might form a basis for discussion, and might lead to a solution agreeable to both the Muslim groups. Personally 11 am of opinion, that if the Muslims should get opportunities under an autonomous Government for a sufficiently long time to secure their own interests and to stand upon their own legs, then there is no reason