Landmark amendments

Introduction

  1. The Indian Constitution has undergone several amendments to adapt to changing political, social, and economic conditions.
  2. Landmark amendments such as the 42nd, 44th, 73rd, 74th, and 101st Amendments have significantly impacted India's governance.
  3. These amendments address areas like the basic structure, democracy at the grassroots, and economic reforms.

42nd Amendment Act, 1976

  1. Known as the "Mini-Constitution" due to its extensive changes.
  2. Added the terms "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble.
  3. Strengthened the powers of the Central Government over the states.
  4. Transferred subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List.
  5. Made Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) a part of the Constitution.
  6. Introduced the concept of the basic structure to prevent arbitrary changes to the Constitution.
  7. Limited the scope of judicial review by reducing the powers of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
  8. Extended the duration of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from 5 to 6 years.

44th Amendment Act, 1978

  1. Enacted to reverse the authoritarian provisions of the 42nd Amendment.
  2. Restored the original tenure of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to 5 years.
  3. Strengthened the protection of Fundamental Rights by making Article 359 inapplicable to Articles 20 and 21 during an emergency.
  4. Empowered courts to examine the validity of an emergency proclamation.
  5. Deleted the provision allowing the Centre to declare an emergency on the grounds of "internal disturbance"; replaced it with "armed rebellion."
  6. Ensured that property rights could be curtailed only through laws enacted by legislatures.

73rd Amendment Act, 1992

  1. Granted constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system.
  2. Added Part IX and the 11th Schedule to the Constitution.
  3. Mandated the establishment of Gram Sabhas in villages.
  4. Introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
  5. Reserved one-third of the seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
  6. Ensured representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
  7. Empowered Panchayati Raj institutions to prepare plans and implement schemes for economic development and social justice.

74th Amendment Act, 1992

  1. Granted constitutional status to urban local bodies.
  2. Added Part IXA and the 12th Schedule to the Constitution.
  3. Established Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats as urban local self-governments.
  4. Reserved one-third of seats for women in urban local bodies.
  5. Provided for the constitution of a State Finance Commission to recommend financial allocations to urban local bodies.
  6. Empowered urban local bodies to plan and implement schemes for economic development and urban planning.

101st Amendment Act, 2016

  1. Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a landmark economic reform.
  2. Replaced multiple indirect taxes like VAT, excise duty, and service tax with a unified GST.
  3. Added Article 246A, empowering both Parliament and state legislatures to make laws on GST.
  4. Created the GST Council to recommend rates and exemptions.
  5. Aimed to create a common market and improve the ease of doing business.
  6. Ensured revenue-sharing between the Centre and states.
  7. Reduced cascading effects of taxation, leading to a more transparent and efficient tax system.

Conclusion

The 42nd, 44th, 73rd, 74th, and 101st Amendments represent significant milestones in the evolution of India's constitutional framework. These amendments reflect the adaptability of the Constitution and its ability to address diverse challenges while upholding the principles of democracy, federalism, and social justice.

Category
Amendments of the Constitution
The Constitution of India
Indian Polity and Governance
The 42nd Amendment Act is also known as:
Which amendment added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble?
The 44th Amendment Act was passed in which year?
Which fundamental right was restored by the 44th Amendment?
The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, provided constitutional status to:
The 74th Amendment Act, 1992, provided constitutional status to:
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced by which amendment?
The 44th Amendment removed which Right from the list of Fundamental Rights?
The 73rd Amendment applies to which part of India?
The 101st Amendment created which constitutional body?
The 42nd Amendment expanded the scope of which Directive Principle of State Policy?
Which amendment reduced the duration of the President's rule in a state from 6 years to 1 year?
Which schedule was added to the Constitution by the 73rd Amendment?
The Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution deals with:
The 42nd Amendment transferred which subject to the Concurrent List?
Which amendment ensured the inclusion of Panchayati Raj in the Constitution?
The 101st Amendment Act implemented GST from which year?
The 74th Amendment deals with which level of governance?
Which amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18?
The 44th Amendment Act was passed to nullify provisions of which earlier amendment?
Which amendment made changes to emergency provisions, reducing abuse of power?
The GST Council was established under which article after the 101st Amendment?
Which landmark amendment introduced the concept of the Ninth Schedule?
The 42nd Amendment made which Directive Principle of State Policy enforceable?
How many fundamental duties were added by the 42nd Amendment?
The 73rd and 74th Amendments mandate elections to local bodies every:
The 101st Amendment deals primarily with:
The 44th Amendment introduced safeguards against misuse of:
The 42nd Amendment made changes to which part of the Constitution?
The 73rd and 74th Amendments introduced which level of government?