UPSC Relevant Notes and Facts -Constituent Assembly of India

1. Formation: The Constituent Assembly of India was established to draft the Constitution of India following the end of British rule. It was convened on December 9, 1946, under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
2. Composition: The assembly comprised 389 members, including representatives from the provinces and princely states. Initially, there were 296 seats allocated to British India and 93 to the princely states, but eventually, the number increased to 299 for British India and 93 for princely states.
3. Leadership: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the president of the Constituent Assembly, and H.C. Mukherjee served as the vice-president.
4. Objective: The primary objective of the Constituent Assembly was to draft and adopt a constitution for independent India that would govern its political, social, and economic framework.
5. Drafting Process: The drafting committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was responsible for preparing the initial draft of the Constitution. The drafting process involved extensive discussions, debates, and consultations among the members.
6. Features of the Constitution: The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, enshrined principles of democracy, secularism, socialism, and federalism. It provided for a parliamentary form of government, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and an independent judiciary.
7. Historical Significance: The Constituent Assembly played a pivotal role in shaping the political and constitutional framework of independent India. It reflected the diversity of India’s population and provided a platform for deliberating on key issues pertaining to governance and nation-building.
8. Women Members: The Constituent Assembly included 15 women members who actively participated in the drafting process. Prominent among them were Hansa Mehta, Durgabai Deshmukh, and Sarojini Naidu.
9. Duration: The Constituent Assembly held its sessions over a period of almost three years, from December 1946 to January 1950, to finalize the Constitution.
10. Adoption of the Constitution: The Constitution of India was adopted on January 26, 1950, marking the Republic Day of India. This date was chosen to commemorate the declaration of independence (Purna Swaraj) by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930.
11. Legacy: The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world and has served as a guiding framework for Indian democracy. The ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution continue to shape the nation’s governance and legal system.

Understanding the Constituent Assembly of India is essential for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the process of constitution-making, the principles underlying India’s democratic polity, and the contributions of key leaders in shaping the nation’s destiny.