Key Members and Portfolios of India’s Interim Government 1946 and First Cabinet 1947

The interim government of 1946 and the first cabinet of free India in 1947 marked significant transitions in India’s political landscape. Here’s a summary highlighting key members and their portfolios:

Interim Government (1946)

1. Jawaharlal Nehru – Vice-President of the Council; External Affairs & Commonwealth Relations
2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Home, Information & Broadcasting
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad – Food & Agriculture
4. Dr. John Mathai – Industries & Supplies
5. Jagjivan Ram – Labour
6. Sardar Baldev Singh – Defence
7. C.H. Bhabha – Works, Mines & Power
8. Liaquat Ali Khan – Finance
9. Abdur Rab Nishtar – Posts & Air
10. Asaf Ali – Railways & Transport
11. C. Rajagopalachari – Education & Arts
12. I.I. Chundrigar – Commerce
13. Ghaznafar Ali Khan – Health
14. Joginder Nath Mandal – Law

Note: This government functioned under the Viceroy, who remained the head of the Council.

First Cabinet of Free India (1947)

1. Jawaharlal Nehru – Prime Minister; External Affairs & Commonwealth Relations; Scientific Research
2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Home, Information & Broadcasting; States
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad – Food & Agriculture
4. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – Education
5. Dr. John Mathai – Railways & Transport
6. R.K. Shanmugham Chetty – Finance
7. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Law
8. Jagjivan Ram – Labour
9. Sardar Baldev Singh – Defence
10. Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur – Health
11. C.H. Bhabha – Commerce
12. Rafi Ahmed Kidwai – Communication
13. Dr. Shayama Prasad Mukherji – Industries & Supplies
14. V.N. Gadgil – Works, Mines & Power

Key Differences:

• Leadership Transition: Nehru transitioned from Vice-President of the Council to Prime Minister.
• Expanded Roles: New portfolios were created, reflecting the growing responsibilities of an independent nation.
• New Members: The cabinet introduced new faces, such as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, indicating a broader representation of India’s diverse society.

These tables illustrate the evolution of governance in India, showcasing the shift from colonial administration to an independent democratic government.