Constituent Assembly of India

                                 Constituent Assembly of India

Introduction

Constituent Assembly of India was a body formed for framing the Indian Constitution. The making of India was a long process in which members of the Constituent Assembly debated as to what the Constitution was expected to include. The Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, symbolized India’s shift to a sovereign republic.

 

Background

The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946, played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, ensuring it reflected the nation’s diverse cultural, social, and political fabric. Led by prominent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and SardarVallabhbhai Patel, the Assembly engaged in comprehensive debates on federalism, fundamental rights, and governance, shaping the document’s core principles. It was created in 1946 by the British Cabinet Mission Plan, which also contained provisions on the Assembly’s functioning and composition.

Composition

While Hindus (94.6%) dominated the Assembly, members from other major religious communities also found a place in the Constituent Assembly. These included Christians, Parsees, Sikhs and Muslims represented by individuals like Frank Anthony, MinooMasani, G Gurmukh Singh, and MaulanaAbulKalam Azad. On the gender front, the Assembly was male-dominated; only 15 members were women. Some of the key women Assembly members included Hansa Mehta, RajkumariAmrit Kaur and DakshayaniVelayudhan.

The Constituent Assembly had a total of 389 members. 292 members were elected from the eleven Governor's Provinces, and 4 from the Chief Commissioner's Provinces (Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg, and British Baluchistan). 93 represented Princely States, and 4 from Chief Commissioner's Provinces, elected indirectly by members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies. 

After the partition of India in 1947, the membership of the Constituent Assembly was reduced to 299. Prominent members included Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, B.N. Rau, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Abul Kalam Azad. The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946, in the Constitution Hall of Parliament House, now known as Samvidhan Sadan. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha presided as the interim President during the inaugural meeting. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was appointed as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946. 

Important Committees of Constituent Assembly and Their Chairmen

S.No	Name of Committee	Chairman
1	Committee on the Rules of Procedure	Rajendra Prasad
2	Steering Committee	Rajendra Prasad
3	Finance and Staff Committee	Rajendra Prasad
4	Credential Committee	AlladiKrishnaswamiAyyar
5	House Committee	B. PattabhiSitaramayya
6	Ad hoc Committee on the National Flag	Rajendra Prasad
7	Committee on the Functions of the Constituent Assembly	G.V. Mavalankar
8	Order of Business Committee	K.M. Munsi

 

 

Conclusion

The Constituent Assembly of India played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation. Its tireless efforts, visionary outlook, and commitment to democratic principles transformed India's colonial past into a future rooted in equality, justice, and fundamental rights.

The impact and legacy of the Constituent Assembly continue to shape India's identity and inspire democratic movements worldwide. Its commitment to democracy, secularism, and social justice remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective wisdom and consensus. The Constituent Assembly will forever be remembered as the architect of India's democratic framework, a legacy that generations to come will cherish and uphold.

References

·         Constituent Assembly of India by SRIRAM's IAS

·         The Framing of India’s Constitution 1966, Vol. 1-5 by B. Shiva Rao

·         The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation by Granville Austin

·         Constituent Assembly – Making of the Indian Constitution By Vajiram Editor

·         Constituent Assembly of India by unacademy