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75th Constitution Day of India

75th Constitution Day of India: A Comprehensive Guide for UPSC Aspirants

India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26th every year to honor the adoption of its Constitution in 1949. The year 2024 marks the 75th Constitution Day, a landmark occasion to reflect upon the principles, values, and legacy of the Constitution of India. This document is a key topic for UPSC aspirants, as it relates to polity, governance, and the democratic ethos of the nation.

Why is Constitution Day Celebrated?

Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Diwas, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. It came into effect on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

Historical Background:

  1. The Making of the Constitution:

    • The drafting of the Constitution began with the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly on December 9, 1946.
    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee, played a pivotal role in shaping the document.
    • The Constitution was finalized after extensive debates and discussions over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.

  2. Institutionalizing Constitution Day:

    • The Government of India declared November 26th as Constitution Day in 2015 to commemorate Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution and to promote constitutional values.

Significance of the 75th Constitution Day

The 75th Constitution Day offers an opportunity to:

  1. Celebrate Democracy: Recognize the world’s largest and most diverse democracy guided by its robust constitutional framework.
  2. Reflect on Progress: Assess India’s journey in upholding constitutional ideals such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  3. Spread Awareness: Encourage citizens to understand their fundamental rights and duties.
  4. Strengthen the Constitution: Renew the commitment to address contemporary challenges while adhering to constitutional principles.

Key Features of the Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is unique and comprehensive, embodying the aspirations of millions. Key features include:

1. Preamble:
  • The Preamble serves as the introductory statement of the Constitution, declaring India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and highlighting objectives like Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
2. Length and Detail:
  • It is the longest written constitution in the world, with 448 articles across 25 parts and 12 schedules.
3. Fundamental Rights and Duties:
  • Fundamental Rights (Part III): Guarantee civil liberties such as equality, freedom, and protection from exploitation.
  • Fundamental Duties (Part IVA): Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), they remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation.
4. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs):
  • Enshrined in Part IV, DPSPs provide guidelines to the state for establishing social and economic democracy.
5. Federal Structure with a Unitary Bias:
  • India follows a quasi-federal system, blending federalism with a strong central government.
6. Parliamentary System:
  • India adopts a parliamentary form of government modeled after the British system, ensuring accountability of the executive to the legislature.
7. Amendment Procedure:
  • The Constitution provides a flexible yet rigid amendment process under Article 368, allowing it to adapt to changing times.
8. Independent Judiciary:
  • The judiciary, led by the Supreme Court, serves as the guardian of the Constitution and ensures the rule of law.

Milestones in the 75-Year Journey of the Indian Constitution

Over the decades, the Constitution has been a living document, evolving with India’s socio-political and economic landscape. Some milestones include:

  1. First Amendment (1951):

    • Added provisions to protect land reform laws and restricted the right to free speech in specific contexts.

  2. 42nd Amendment (1976):

    • Known as the “Mini-Constitution”, it introduced the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” in the Preamble and strengthened DPSPs.

  3. 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992):

    • Empowered local self-governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities.

  4. Right to Education (2002):

    • The 86th Amendment made education a fundamental right under Article 21A.

  5. Judicial Landmarks:

    • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the Basic Structure Doctrine, ensuring certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered.
    • Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): Broadened the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

Celebrating the 75th Constitution Day

The 75th Constitution Day is celebrated through various activities to promote constitutional literacy and awareness among citizens. Highlights include:

  1. Special Sessions in Parliament:

    • Discussions on the relevance of the Constitution in modern times and its role in shaping India’s governance.

  2. Public Awareness Campaigns:

    • Schools, colleges, and institutions organize quizzes, debates, and seminars on constitutional values.

  3. Digital Initiatives:

    • The government promotes online resources, including access to the e-Constitution of India and interactive content.

  4. Citizen Engagement:

    • Programs encouraging citizens to read and understand the Constitution, particularly the Preamble and Fundamental Duties.

  5. Tributes to the Framers:

    • Special tributes are paid to members of the Constituent Assembly, especially Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, hailed as the Chief Architect of the Constitution.

Relevance of Constitution Day for UPSC Aspirants

Constitution Day is an essential topic for UPSC preparation, covering multiple areas:

Polity and Governance:
  • Understanding constitutional provisions, amendments, and landmark judgments is crucial for GS Paper II.
Essay Writing:
  • Constitution Day provides insights into writing essays on topics like democracy, justice, and governance.
Ethics (GS Paper IV):
  • Fundamental Duties and DPSPs offer a framework for discussing ethical governance and citizen responsibilities.
Current Affairs:
  • Aspirants should stay updated on Constitution Day celebrations and discussions to frame answers effectively.

Challenges in Upholding Constitutional Values

Despite its robustness, India faces challenges in adhering to constitutional ideals:

  1. Inequality and Poverty:

    • Bridging economic disparities to ensure social justice.

  2. Political Polarization:

    • Maintaining secularism and democratic principles amid rising communal tensions.

  3. Judicial Pendency:

    • Addressing delays in justice delivery to uphold the rule of law.

  4. Awareness Gaps:

    • Promoting wider understanding of constitutional rights and duties, especially in rural areas.

Way Forward

To uphold the Constitution’s vision:

  1. Promote Constitutional Literacy:
    • Educate citizens about their rights and duties through school curricula and public campaigns.
  2. Strengthen Institutions:
    • Ensure independence and accountability of constitutional bodies like the judiciary and Election Commission.
  3. Foster Inclusivity:
    • Focus on policies that bridge social, economic, and regional disparities.

Conclusion

The 75th Constitution Day is a moment to celebrate India’s democratic ethos and recommit to the principles enshrined in the Constitution. For UPSC aspirants, it is a time to delve deeper into the document that guides the nation, understanding its nuances, evolution, and contemporary relevance. By doing so, candidates not only prepare for exams but also equip themselves as informed citizens ready to contribute to the nation’s progress.

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