The Indian Constitution: Salient Features 1100 Words
It forms one of the world’s longest-written constitutions ever. This is as it becomes adopted on November 26, 1949 and took effect on January 26, 1950. It is a supreme law, carrying the highest ideals and aspirations of India’s people. This paper therefore is the basis for governing the country based on rights and responsibilities. We explore in what really makes the Indian Constitution stand out and long last.
Longest and Most Detailed Document
Indian Constitution is the longest in the world. It has a Preamble, 470 Articles spread over 25 Parts, 12 Schedules, and many Appendices. It is very long because it addresses all the different aspects of governance, rights, duties, and administration to suit the vast diversity and complexity of India.
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic
The Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Sovereign:-
This means that India is an independent country, and her decisions are not taken on someone else’s behalf.
Socialist:-
This refers to the commitment towards social justice and the equal distribution of wealth.
Secular:-
The state is equally fair to all religions and remains neutral in nature.
Democratic:-
The power lies in the people as it is exercised through elected representatives.
Republic:-
The head of state is elected, not hereditary.
Federal Structure with Unitary Bias
It is basically federal, though the power and discretion in both the centre and the state governments have clear differentiation under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. In emergency times, it can give overridable provisions for making it more unitary in terms of vesting more powers into the centre to hold back the unity and integrity of the country and bring stability into its fold.
Parliamentary System of Government
India is a parliamentary form of government, where the President is the constitutional head and the Prime Minister is the executive head. The executive is answerable to the legislature, thus maintaining the balance of power and promoting democratic functioning.
Mix of Rigidity and Flexibility
Article 368 clearly outlines a procedure for amending the Constitution. Some provisions require a simple majority of Parliament, while some provide a special majority. This system requires ratification in at least half the legislatures of the states also for certain amendments; that’s why it has got this blend of rigidity and flexibility.
Universal Adult Franchise
Every citizen who has attained the age of 18 years or more is given the right to vote without any discrimination of caste, creed, gender, or religion. The very foundation of the nation’s democratic ethos lies in this principle of universal adult suffrage.
Fundamental Rights
Part III of the Constitution declares Fundamental Rights that bestow civil liberties upon all citizens. These are as follows:-
Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24)
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32
These rights are justiciable, so individuals can go to courts for their enforcement.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Part IV lists the Directive Principles by which the state should conduct its policymaking. Because not justiciable, however, these principles are aimed towards the building up of social and economic democracy. These include a number of provisions for an equal distribution of resources, banning child labour, advancing education and providing for all an adequate standard of living.
Fundamental Duties
Introduced through the 42nd Amendment in 1976, Article 51A, known as Fundamental Duties, talks about what a citizen is morally responsible for. It deals with respect for the Constitution and national symbols, protection of cultural heritage, and conservation of the environment.
Single Citizenship
As against the federal systems operating in the USA or Canada, India has single citizenship. All Indians, who happen to be living anywhere in the country, are endowed with the same rights and the same duties.
Independent Judiciary
Judiciary of India is an independent and impartial branch, working under the garb of protector of the constitution. High courts, Subordinate Courts ensure to solve out disputes that raise between center-state or even the inter-states conflict.
Secularism
The Constitution provides for a secular state: it cannot have any one religion; it does not favor one religion over others. Freedom of conscience with regard to the practice and profession and propagation of religion is granted. The State cannot make any discrimination based on religion.
Emergency Provisions
A right of the President in the Constitution to proclaim emergency under some conditions: The National Emergency: Article 352- National security by war or external aggression and armed rebellion.
State Emergency: Article 356:-
The constitutional machinery of a state breaks down.
Financial Crisis(Article 360):-
Threat to the financial integrity of the nation.
These provisions enable the central government to have more power to uphold the integrity and stability of the nation.
Bicameral Legislature
India’s parliament comprises two houses: The Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This is bicameral legislature which is the representation of people as well as states.
Special Provisions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes
The Constitution has positive discrimination to uplift the down-trodden section of society. Reservations in education, employment, and legislatures are special provisions to redress past injustice and to maintain social equality.
Panchayati Raj System
The 73rd and 74th Amendments have given Panchayati Raj System, which provides governance at grass-roots level. It strengthens the Panchayats and Municipalities for participation in decision-making and development.
Provisions Regarding the Language
The constitutional provisions show respect for India’s linguistic diversity. There are enlisted 22 scheduled languages in the Eighth Schedule, with Hindi and English as official languages for communication all over the country.
Seats Reservation
In the name of adequate representation, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians have been accommodated in reserved seats in legislatures. This has helped to promote inclusive governance.
Amendment Machinery
The Constitution’s amendment machinery does not let it become rigid. Some important amendments include the 42nd Amendment that has enhanced the power of the central government, and the 73rd and 74th Amendments, which have enhanced the power of local self-governance.
Welfare State Philosophy
The Constitution is a charter of welfare state. It provides the social, economic, and political justice. It ought to reduce inequalities and uplift education and make life more dignified for each citizen.
Conclusion:-
It is a living document, as the Indian Constitution reflects the aspirations of its people while adapting itself to evolving challenges. This salient feature of governance ensures democratic rule, social justice, and unity in diversity. This balance between tradition and modernity allowed it to lead India to decades of growth and evolution, standing as a true testament to the visionaries who framed it.
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