Constitution Based on Federal System with Unitary Features ...

The Constitution of India was formally adopted on 26th November 1949. On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, the Government of India officially began celebrating Constitution Day nationwide on 26th November 2015. Since then, Constitution Day has been celebrated every year on this date. Prior to this, the day was observed as National Law Day.

The Constituent Assembly completed the drafting of the Constitution of India in 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, formally dedicating it to the nation on 26th November 1949. The Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of the Republic of India.

Background of Constitution Day

The observance of "Constitution Day" has deep roots in India's history. Even before the official celebration began in 2015, the importance of the Constitution had been recognized, especially through the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The day of 26th November was chosen to spread awareness about the Constitution’s significance and to promote the ideals enshrined within it. The date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sir Harisingh Gour, a senior member of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Constitution Day is observed every year on 26th November to commemorate the formal adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. It was officially recognized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19th November 2015, when the Indian government decided to observe this day as Constitution Day.

The Making of the Constitution

The idea of a Constituent Assembly was first proposed by M.N. Roy in 1934. Following this, elections were held in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan for the formation of the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution of India was drafted by this Assembly. The Constituent Assembly set up 13 committees to handle various tasks related to the drafting of the Constitution. Among these, 8 were major committees, while the rest were specialized ones, such as the Drafting Committee, Union Powers Committee, Provincial Constitution Committee, Fundamental Rights Committee, and Advisory Committees for Minorities, Scheduled Tribes, and Excluded Areas.

Key Facts About the Constitution of India

• The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution in the world.
• It incorporates a federal system with unitary features.
• It establishes the parliamentary system of government.
• The Constitution took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to be drafted.
• The original copies of the Constitution were not typed or printed; they were handwritten and are now preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament Library.
• The unique handwritten copies of the Constitution were created by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
• The Constitution was written in both English and Hindi.
• The Indian Constitution is based on the Government of India Act, 1935, with elements inspired by the constitutions of several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

The Constitution of India declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, while promoting fraternity. The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is credited with giving shape to the Constitution, which continues to guide the country’s governance, legal system, and policies.

India’s Constitution is a blend of various international constitutional frameworks and represents a synthesis of democratic principles, ensuring the rights and freedoms of all citizens while fostering unity in diversity.