Well, the following is mainly for my enlightenment, and then why should I not keep this information public for others’ knowledge, too, so here we go…
January 26th, 1950 is The Republic Day of India – it’s the foundation day for the India’s Government for real!
While celebrating the 75th Republic Day of India in 2024, there are a few questions my curious eyes are having – My fingers could answer couple of them below, let’s make your fingers put to work to answer the third:
- Have you ever wondered why was 26th of January only was chosen to publish the Constitution of India?
There are two main reasons why January 26th was chosen as the date to launch the Constitution of India, marking the birth of the Indian Republic:
– Commemorating the Declaration of Purna Swaraj:
On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, famously declared “Purna Swaraj,” or complete independence from British rule. This marked a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle, galvanizing public opinion and solidifying the demand for self-governance.
Choosing January 26th to launch the Constitution was a symbolic gesture, linking the new republic with the long-held aspirations for independence. It signified that the Constitution embodied the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice.
– Continuity with Existing Practices:
January 26th already held administrative significance under British rule. On this date in 1929, British India became “Dominion of India,” gaining a greater degree of autonomy within the British Empire.
By adopting January 26th as the date for the Constitution, the newly independent government ensured continuity in administrative processes and avoided disruptions. This practical consideration helped in a smooth transition from Dominion to Republic. - Have you ever wondered why there was a need at all for the Constitution? Was the Cabinet chosen after the Independence in 1947 not capable enough to govern a country?
Before the Constitution:
– British Rule: India was under British colonial rule for nearly two centuries. During this time, the government was a “Dominion of India,” with limited autonomy. While there were administrative structures in place, they primarily served British interests and didn’t reflect the aspirations of the Indian people.
– Lack of Democracy: The pre-existing government wasn’t truly democratic. Power was concentrated in the hands of the British and a small elite class of Indians. Lack of widespread political participation or representation resulted in limited accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the populace.
– Social Inequalities: Deep-rooted social inequalities, including the caste system, existed under British rule. These inequalities were often reinforced by legal and administrative structures, perpetuating discrimination and preventing equal opportunity for all citizens.
Need for a Constitution:
– Establishing a Sovereign Republic: Gaining independence in 1947 necessitated crafting a new framework for governance as a sovereign nation. The existing system under British rule wasn’t suitable for a democratic republic.
– Guaranteeing Fundamental Rights: To address long-standing social inequalities and prevent discrimination, a new legal framework was needed to guarantee basic rights and freedoms for all citizens.
– Defining a Democratic Structure: The Constitution was crucial in establishing a democratic republic with specific roles and powers for the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This separation of powers and checks and balances ensured accountability and prevented concentration of power.
– Accommodating Diversity: The Constitution needed to find a way to accommodate India’s vast diversity while also fostering national unity. This led to the adoption of secularism and federalism as guiding principles.
It took literally 3 years for a team of experts from all grounds to come up to a framework which can govern a country like India – full of diversity in every aspect!
However, we are 75 years down the line after the adoption of the Constitution of India and there have been only 105 Amendments done till date! - What do you think – Is there a requirement of continuous amendments into the Constitution looking at the exploitation of certain articles, or not?
Let me know your opinion on this…
UnfinishedBusiness 