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Summary of Indian Constitution: A Citizen's Guide

  • Writer: Reviewer
    Reviewer
  • Nov 28, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 29

Understanding the Constitution is essential for every citizen. It empowers us to exercise our rights and fulfill our duties. By understanding the principles enshrined in the Constitution, we can contribute to the building of a just and equitable society.

 
What is the Constitution

What is the Constitution?

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for governance, delineating the structure of government, and guaranteeing fundamental rights to its citizens. It was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.


Key Features of the Indian Constitution

  • Length and Structure: The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, originally comprising approximately 145,000 words. Digital Sansad

     It initially contained 395 Articles and 8 Schedules. Over time, through various amendments, it now consists of 448 Articles and 12 Schedules. Testbook

  • Drafting Process: The drafting of the Constitution was a meticulous process that took nearly three years, involving extensive discussions and debates among the members of the Constituent Assembly.

  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Role: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Constitution," played a pivotal role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, overseeing the formulation of the document.

  • Preamble Ideals: The Preamble declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, reflecting the nation's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.


Fundamental Rights

The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including:

  • Right to Equality: Ensures equal protection under the law and prohibits discrimination.

  • Right to Freedom: Includes freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.

  • Right against Exploitation: Prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.

  • Right to Freedom of Religion: Allows individuals to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.

  • Cultural and Educational Rights: Protects the rights of minorities to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions.

  • Right to Constitutional Remedies: Empowers citizens to approach the courts for enforcement of fundamental rights.


Directive Principles of State Policy

These are guidelines for the state to frame policies aimed at ensuring social and economic welfare, including:

  • Securing a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people.

  • Organizing agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.

  • Providing free and compulsory education for children.

  • Protecting the environment.


Fundamental Duties

Added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, these duties are moral obligations for every citizen, such as:

  • Respecting the National Flag and the National Anthem.

  • Protecting the environment.

  • Promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood.


Structure of the Indian Government

The government is divided into three branches:

  • Legislature: Responsible for making laws, comprising the Parliament, which includes the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

  • Executive: Implements laws, consisting of the President (head of state), the Prime Minister (head of government), and the Council of Ministers.

  • Judiciary: Interprets laws and ensures justice, comprising the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts.


Key Amendments to the Indian Constitution

The Constitution has undergone several amendments to address evolving needs:

  • First Amendment (1951): Added the Ninth Schedule to protect land reform and other laws from judicial review.

  • Seventh Amendment (1956): Reorganized states on linguistic lines and introduced Union Territories.

  • Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1971): Affirmed Parliament's power to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights.

  • Forty-Second Amendment (1976): Known as the "Mini-Constitution," it introduced extensive changes, including the addition of Fundamental Duties and the terms "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble.

  • Forty-Fourth Amendment (1978): Reversed several provisions of the 42nd Amendment, strengthening democratic processes and restoring civil liberties.

  • Eighty-Sixth Amendment (2002): Made free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.

  • One Hundred and First Amendment (2016): Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST), creating a unified indirect tax system.

  • One Hundred and Third Amendment (2019): Provided for 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections.

  • One Hundred and Six Amendment (2023): Reserved one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women.


Schedules of the Constitution

The Constitution originally had 8 Schedules; it now contains 12, detailing various aspects such as:

  • First Schedule: Lists the states and union territories.

  • Second Schedule: Specifies the salaries and allowances of constitutional office holders.

  • Third Schedule: Forms of oaths or affirmations.

  • Seventh Schedule: Divides powers between the Union and the States through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.

  • Eighth Schedule: Lists the recognized official languages.


Conclusion

The Indian Constitution is a living document, evolving through amendments to meet the changing needs of society while upholding the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, and equality.


Reference Documents

If you need more detailed insights and any suggestions, feel free to drop your queries in the last section of this page!

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