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

Jawaharlal Nehru presented the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. This resolution served as a foundational document, outlining the core principles and aspirations for the future Constitution of India. The key ideals expressed were:

• India was to be declared an independent and sovereign republic, free from any external control.
• All citizens of India were to be assured of justice, equality, and fraternity.
• Adequate safeguards were to be provided for minorities and for the well-being of the backward and depressed classes to ensure their upliftment.
• The Constitution aimed to combine the liberal democratic ideals with the socialist concept of economic justice, ensuring a balanced socio-economic framework.
• India would adopt a form of government that was acceptable to its people, emphasizing self-determination and rejecting any imposition.
• India would actively work towards promoting international peace and the welfare of humanity.

The definition and scope of the term 'minority' were debated among members of the Constituent Assembly. Different perspectives emerged:

• Economic Interpretation: N.G. Ranga, a socialist leader, urged that the term 'minorities' should be interpreted in economic terms. He argued that the real minorities were the poor and downtrodden sections of society who faced significant economic hardship.
• Social and Civil Rights Interpretation: Some members believed that the true minorities were the vast masses of the country who were so oppressed and disadvantaged that they could not even exercise their ordinary civil rights.
• Protection of Specific Groups: Members like Singh highlighted the specific need to protect tribal communities and ensure conditions that would help them integrate and reach the level of the general population, indicating a focus on distinct cultural and developmental needs.

These varied interpretations show a broad understanding of minority issues, encompassing not just religious or linguistic groups but also socio-economically disadvantaged and culturally distinct communities.

Arguments in favour of granting more power to the provinces (states) were put forth by some members of the Constituent Assembly, notably K. Santharam from Madras. The main points included:

• Strengthening the Centre Indirectly: Santharam argued that the Centre would automatically become stronger if all the states were made stronger. Focusing on empowering states was seen as a way to build a robust federal structure from the ground up.
• Preventing Centre Overload: He expressed concern that vesting too much power and responsibility in the Centre might overburden it, potentially hindering its efficiency in performing its essential duties.
• State Autonomy: There was a belief that provinces should have significant autonomy to manage their affairs. Santharam felt that the proposed allocation of powers between the Centre and states could potentially weaken the states, and he advocated for a distribution that would empower them rather than cripple them.

This perspective emphasized the importance of regional strength and autonomy within the federal framework.

Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for Hindustani as the national language was rooted in its perceived ability to foster unity and its accessibility to the common people. His reasoning included:

• Widespread Comprehensibility: Gandhi believed Hindustani, a language that blended Hindi and Urdu, was easily understood by a large segment of the Indian population across different regions.
• Composite Culture: He viewed Hindustani as a composite language, enriched over time through the interaction of diverse cultures. This made it a natural medium for communication in a pluralistic society.
• Promoting Unity: Gandhi saw Hindustani as an ideal language for fostering communication and understanding between different communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims, and bridging the gap between the North and South of India.
• Faith in Composite Character: Despite the growing association of language with religious identities towards the end of the 19th century, Gandhi retained his faith in the inclusive and composite character of Hindustani as a unifying force for the nation.

The vision of the Indian Constitution was shaped by a confluence of historical forces, national movements, and international influences. Key among these were:

• National Movement Ideals: Certain fundamental values, such as Universal Adult Franchise, Right to Freedom and Equality, and the protection of minority rights, were widely accepted by national leaders, influenced by documents like the Nehru Report and resolutions passed at the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress.
• Experience with Governance: The experience gained by the Congress and other political parties in forming and running governments in the provinces after the 1937 elections provided practical insights into institutional design and legislative processes.
• Colonial Legacy: Many provisions and institutional structures of the Indian Constitution were inspired by existing colonial laws. The Government of India Act, 1935, was a particularly significant source, providing a framework for administrative and constitutional arrangements.
• International Influences: The ideals of the French Revolution (liberty, equality, fraternity) and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Britain, along with the concept of a Bill of Rights from the USA, also inspired the framers of the Constitution.

These diverse forces contributed to a comprehensive and balanced constitutional vision.

The Constituent Assembly recognized the urgent need for special protection and safeguards for oppressed groups, particularly tribals and 'untouchables' (Dalits), to enable them to overcome historical disadvantages and achieve equality. The arguments presented included:

• Addressing Historical Marginalization: It was acknowledged that these groups had suffered systematic marginalization, leading to their social and economic backwardness. For instance, tribals often had their lands and forests confiscated, while untouchables were exploited for labour without receiving due respect or social standing.
• Need for Assimilation and Mainstreaming: Tribals were often seen as 'backward' and not well-integrated into mainstream society. Arguments were made for their assimilation and inclusion, requiring special care and protection to bring them up to the level of the general population.
• Rectifying Social Injustice: The practice of untouchability led to the isolation and suffering of a significant population. Their services were utilized by society, but they were treated as outcastes. Protection was deemed necessary to rectify this deep-seated social injustice.
• Ensuring Access to Opportunities: Oppressed groups were often denied access to education and participation in administration. The need for legislative measures and special provisions was emphasized to improve their conditions, provide educational opportunities, and ensure their representation.

These arguments underscored the moral and social imperative to uplift these communities and ensure their full participation in the life of the nation.

Following India's independence on August 15, 1947, the political situation was marked by immense challenges, including the trauma of Partition, widespread communal violence, and the integration of numerous princely states. Some members of the Constituent Assembly argued that these volatile circumstances necessitated a strong Centre for several reasons:

• Maintaining Unity and Integrity: The recent Partition had highlighted the fragility of national unity. A strong Centre was seen as essential to prevent further fragmentation and to hold the diverse nation together.
• Managing Internal Security and Law and Order: The widespread communal riots and displacement required a robust central authority capable of intervening effectively to restore peace and maintain law and order across the country.
• Economic Stability and Development: Rebuilding the economy after the war and Partition, and undertaking large-scale development projects, required a strong Centre with the capacity to mobilize resources and implement national economic policies.
• Integration of Princely States: The successful integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union was a monumental task that required decisive central leadership and authority.
• External Threats: The geopolitical situation in the region also posed potential external threats, making a strong, unified Centre crucial for national security and defence.

Therefore, the immediate post-independence political realities strongly influenced the view that a powerful central government was indispensable for the survival, stability, and progress of the newly independent India.