Constitution Day of India (Samvidhan Diwas) – 26th November

PWOnlyIAS November 25, 2023 04:11 1154 0

Context: The Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas is celebrated every year on November 26.

Constitution Day of India (Samvidhan Diwas) – 26th November

About Constitution Day

Origin: On November 26, 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
- To mark this momentous occasion, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2015 notified the decision of the Indian Government to celebrate the 26th November every year as ‘Constitution Day’ in order promote Constitutional values among citizens.
Significance of Celebrating Constitution Day:
- Uphold Democratic Principles: Constitution is a sacred document in a democracy, which acts as a foundation for a parliamentary democracy to function.
- Guiding Light: Constitution is the guiding light that helps law-making in the country. It also puts checks on powers of the state.
- Citizen Rights: The constitution is the supreme document that serves as the protector of citizen rights.
- Structure of Polity: The constitution lays down the outline for the political structure to exist in a country.
- Responsibilities of Different State Organs: The constitution defines the 3 organs of the Indian state – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary and provides them power as well as demarcates their responsibilities.

About Constitution of India

Framing Authority: After gaining independence, a legislative body known as Constituent Assembly took the task of drafting the Constitution of India.
- The Constituent Assembly was set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
Formation: Post the formation, the first session of constituent assembly was chaired by Dr. Sachhidanand Sinha, the oldest member of the Assembly as the Provisional President.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected the permanent president of the assembly on December 11, 1946.
Committees: The constituent assembly formed 13 committees for framing the constitution. The main committee was the drafting committee under the chairmanship of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Adoption of Constitution: The constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 with some amendments. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into effect.
Features of Indian Constitution
- Length: Indian constitution has earned the distinction of being the longest written Constitution in the world containing 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 12 Schedules.
- Written Material: The constitution is not typed but was written in calligraphy in both English and Hindi. It was entirely handcrafted by the artists of Shantiniketan, with the chief calligrapher being Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
Inspiration:

Country	Inspired Parts
United Kingdom	Parliamentary form of Government Bicameral legislature Rule of law Single citizenship Cabinet System Prerogative writs
The United States	Fundamental Rights Separation of judiciary Impeachment of the President Office of the Vice President Removal of judges of Supreme Court and High court
Canada	Quasi federal structure Office of Governor Residual powers in centre Advisory jurisdiction of supreme court
Ireland	Directive Principles of State Policy Method of President election Nominating Rajya Sabha members
Japan	Procedure established by law
Soviet Union	Fundamental Duties Justice ( Social, Economic and Political)
Australia	Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse Joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament Concurrent list
Germany	Suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergency
France	Republic Ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity

Most Important Components

Preamble
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this 26th day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION
Fundamental Rights

Directive Principles of State Policy

Constitution Day

Fundamental Duties

Constitution Day

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas is celebrated every year on November 26.

The Government of India celebrates 26th November every year as ‘Constitution Day’ to promote Constitutional values among citizens.

The drafting committee of the constitution was chaired by Dr B R Ambedkar.

The constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 with some amendments.

Indian constitution has earned the distinction of being the longest written Constitution in the world containing 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 12 Schedules.