Context: November 26 is observed as Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Divas’ in India to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution and to promote constitutional values among citizens.
According to an announcement made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on November 19, 2015, the Government of India had resolved to observe the significance of the Constitution on November 26 every year to strengthen Indian democracy.
Relevance of the topic: Prelims- Key facts about Constitution Day, Indian Constitution
About Constitution Day
- India got independence on 15th August, 1947. The Indian constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 by the Constituent Assembly and the provisions of the new constitution came into force on January 26, 1950.
- Republic day is celebrated on 26th January to commemorate the day when the Indian constitution came into force.
How was the Indian Constitution drafted?
- The idea to formulate a Constitution was first proposed by M. N. Roy (a pioneer of communist thought in India) in 1934.
- The Constituent Assembly first assembled on the 9th December, 1946 under the presidency of Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.
- The Drafting Committee was established on August 29, 1947 chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- The Drafting Committee prepared the Constitution over the period of 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, and finalised it on November 26, 1949.
- The Constitution was signed on January 24, 1950 (in Hindi and English) with calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illustrations by Shantiniketan artists under Nandalal Bose.
- Thus, the Indian constitution came into force on the 26th of January, 1950 and became the supreme law of the land.
What are the key facts about the Indian Constitution?
- Length and Detail: World’s largest written Constitution comprising 470 articles and 12 schedules (as of now).
- The Government of India Act, 1935 is one of the significant documents that laid the groundwork for the Indian Constitution.
- Key Inspirations: Indian Constitution incorporates elements from various sources, including:
- United States: Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review
- United Kingdom: Parliamentary system, Rule of Law
- Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy
- France: Principles of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
- Canada: Federal structure with strong Center.
- The Indian Constitution is a right blend of rigidity and flexibility, allowing for amendments to reflect the evolving needs of the nation.
- The Preamble serves as a summary of the whole document and encapsulates the core principles, ethos, and values upon which our Constitution is based.
- It consists of Fundamental Duties (justice, social, economic, and political) and Fundamental Rights (liberty of thought, speech, belief, faith, and worship).
Conclusion: November 26 was first celebrated as the Constitution Day of India in 2015 in honor of a year-long celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.