The Ministry of Law & Justice recently unveiled an ‘Online Course on Indian Constitution’ marking the occasion of ‘Constitution Day’ and as a component of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations for India’s 75 years of Independence. The primary objective of this course is to enhance citizens’ understanding of constitutional values, fundamental rights, and duties.
Overview of Constitution Day
Celebrated every year on 26th November, Constitution Day is also colloquially known as National Law Day. This day, in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Constitution of India, which was enforced on 26th January 1950. The decision to celebrate 26th November as ‘Constitution Day’ was notified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19th November 2015.
Framing of the Constitution
The idea of a constituent assembly was first proposed by M N Roy in 1934. In accordance with the 1946 Cabinet Mission plan, elections were conducted leading to the formation of the constituent assembly. The Constituent Assembly of India assigned 13 committees to handle different responsibilities associated with framing the constitution. These committees comprised eight major committees and five minor ones.
Major Committees and Their Heads
Noteworthy committees during this process and their corresponding heads were:
– Drafting Committee – B. R. Ambedkar
– Union Power Committee – Jawaharlal Nehru
– Union Constitution Committee – Jawaharlal Nehru
– Provincial Constitution Committee – Vallabhbhai Patel
– Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Tribal and Excluded Areas – Vallabhbhai Patel
– Rules of Procedure Committee – Rajendra Prasad
– States Committee (Committee for Negotiating with States) – Jawaharlal Nehru
– Steering Committee – Rajendra Prasad
Interesting Facts about the Constitution of India
India’s constitution stands as the world’s lengthiest, integrating a Federal System with Unitary Features. It embraces the Parliamentary Form of Government and its drafting process spanned over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
Unique to the Indian Constitution is the fact that there weren’t any typed or printed original copies. Instead, they were handwritten and currently preserved in a helium-filled case inside the Parliament library. This monumental task was accomplished by Prem Bihari Narain Raizada.
The Constitution of India was scribed originally in English and Hindi. Its basic structure draws features from the Government of India Act, 1935, while also borrowing elements from several other countries.
Recommended Further Reading
For individuals interested in further expanding their understanding of the Indian Constitution, following resources can be consulted:
– Preamble to the Indian Constitution
– Important Articles from Indian Constitution (Part I and II)
– Fundamental Rights (Part-I and II)
– Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
– Parliament (Part-I, II and III)
– Major Constitutional Amendments (Part-I, II and III)
– Emergency Provisions
