The Constitution is the fundamental law of a country, reflecting the principles on which its government is based; it is the vehicle of a nation's progress. The concept of a constitution first originated in the U.S.A. This chapter covers the making of the Indian Constitution, its salient features, Preamble, citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Centre-State relations, official language, emergency provisions and amendment.
1. Making of the Indian Constitution
- Framed by a Constituent Assembly set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946.
- The Assembly had 389 members: Provinces (292), States (93), Chief Commissioner's provinces (3) and Baluchistan (1).
- First meeting: December 9, 1946. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, the oldest member, was the temporary President; after his death Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected President. H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were Vice-Presidents.
- The Assembly met for 11 sessions with 166 days of meetings; 2473 amendments were presented.
- The Drafting Committee was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the 'Father of the Constitution of India'.
- Adopted on November 26, 1949 with a Preamble, 22 parts, 395 Articles and 8 Schedules; came into force on 26 January 1950 – Republic Day.
- Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the calligrapher; he handwrote the original in a flowing italic style.