CBSE Class 12 History NCERT Solutions: Chapter 15 - Framing the Constitution

Solution: The Objectives Resolution was presented by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. It articulated the fundamental principles and aspirations that would guide the formation of India's Constitution. The key ideals expressed were:

• India was to be declared an independent, sovereign republic.
• All citizens would be assured of justice, equality, and fraternity.
• Adequate safeguards were to be provided for minorities and for the well-being of backward and depressed classes.
• The Constitution would aim to combine democratic ideals with economic justice, drawing from socialist principles.
• The form of government would be one that was acceptable to the people of India, free from external imposition.
• India would actively work towards promoting international peace and the welfare of humanity.

Solution: The definition of 'minority' was a subject of diverse interpretations within the Constituent Assembly.

• N.G. Ranga, a socialist leader, urged that the term 'minorities' should be understood primarily in economic terms. He argued that the real minorities were the poor and downtrodden sections of society who lacked access to basic rights and opportunities.
• Some members emphasized that the true minorities were the masses of the country who were so depressed and oppressed that they could not even avail themselves of ordinary civil rights.
• Concerns were also raised specifically for the protection of tribal communities, ensuring they received the necessary support and conditions to reach the level of the general population.

These perspectives highlighted a broader understanding of minority status, encompassing not just religious or linguistic groups but also those facing economic hardship and social marginalization.

Solution: Arguments in favour of granting more power to the provinces (states) were put forth by members like K. Santharam.

K. Santharam, representing Madras, defended the rights of the states and emphasized the need to strengthen them. His key arguments included:

• Preventing Centre Overload: He believed that vesting too much power in the Central government would overburden it, potentially hindering its ability to perform its duties efficiently.
• Automatic Centre Strength: Santharam argued that the Centre would naturally become stronger if all the states were robust and well-empowered.
• Avoiding Crippling States: He expressed concern that the proposed distribution of powers might weaken the states, potentially crippling their development and autonomy.

This viewpoint advocated for a more decentralized power structure, where states would hold significant authority.

Solution: Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Hindustani as the national language for several compelling reasons, rooted in his vision for a unified and accessible India.

His arguments included:

• Accessibility to Common People: Gandhi believed Hindustani was a language that the ordinary citizens of India could easily understand and use.
• Composite Nature: Hindustani was seen as a rich blend of Hindi and Urdu, incorporating words and terms from various languages due to centuries of cultural interaction. This composite character made it a widely popular and inclusive language.
• Unifying Force: He envisioned Hindustani as the ideal language for communication between different communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims, and for fostering unity between the people of the North and the South.
• Faith in Composite Culture: Despite the growing association of language with religious identities towards the end of the 19th century, Gandhi maintained his strong faith in the composite and unifying character of Hindustani.

His perspective prioritized a language that could bridge cultural and regional divides, promoting national cohesion.

Solution: The vision for the Indian Constitution was shaped by a confluence of historical forces, national movements, and international influences.

Key shaping forces included:

• National Movement Ideals: Basic values like Universal Adult Franchise, Right to Freedom and Equality, and the protection of minority rights, as articulated in the Nehru Report and the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress, formed a crucial foundation.
• Experience with Institutions: The experience gained by the Congress and other political parties in forming provincial governments after the 1937 elections helped in developing practical insights into institutional design and governance.
• Colonial Legacy: Many institutional details and procedures were adopted from colonial laws, with the Government of India Act, 1935, being a particularly significant source.
• International Inspiration: The framers of the Constitution were also inspired by democratic principles and practices observed in other countries. This included the working of parliamentary democracy in Britain and the concept of a Bill of Rights in the USA. The ideals of the French Revolution also played a role in shaping the vision.

These diverse influences contributed to a comprehensive and well-rounded constitutional framework.

Solution: The Constituent Assembly recognized the urgent need for special attention and safeguards for oppressed groups, particularly tribals and those considered 'untouchables', to enable them to achieve social equality and integrate into the mainstream.

The arguments for their protection were based on the following points:

• Social Backwardness and Marginalization: Tribals were often regarded as backward and faced social exclusion. 'Untouchables' were treated as labourers, their services utilized without granting them a respectable social position, leading to systematic marginalization and isolation.
• Historical Injustices: Tribals had historically faced the confiscation of their lands and were deprived of their forests and pastures. Both groups lacked access to education and were excluded from participating in administration.
• Need for Upliftment and Assimilation: It was argued that special protection and care were necessary to uplift these communities, assimilate them into the broader society, and bring them into the national mainstream.
• Legislative Intervention: To address these deep-rooted issues, it was deemed essential to enact specific legislation to improve their conditions and ensure their rights and opportunities.

The focus was on providing affirmative action and legal protections to rectify historical injustices and promote social justice.

Solution: As India gained independence on August 15, 1947, the political situation was marked by immense challenges, including the partition of the country and the integration of numerous princely states. Some members of the Constituent Assembly argued that these circumstances necessitated a strong Centre.

The arguments for a strong Centre were often linked to:

• Maintaining National Unity: In the wake of partition and the potential for further fragmentation, a robust central government was seen as essential to hold the newly independent nation together.
• Addressing Complex Challenges: The task of nation-building, rehabilitation of refugees, and integrating diverse regions required strong central leadership and coordinated action.
• Ensuring Stability: The volatile political climate and the need to establish a stable government capable of enforcing laws and policies across the vast country pointed towards the necessity of a powerful Centre.

While debates also occurred regarding provincial powers, the immediate post-independence political realities led many to believe that a strong Centre was crucial for India's survival and progress.