Constituent Assembly

Formation of the Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly was formed under the framework of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
It was tasked with drafting the Constitution of India after independence.
The Assembly's formation was based on indirect elections by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.
The total strength of the Constituent Assembly was initially set at 389 members.
Out of these, 292 members represented provinces, 93 members represented princely states, and 4 members represented the Chief Commissioners' provinces.
After the partition of India in 1947, the number of members was reduced to 299.

The Assembly represented a mix of various political groups, social classes, and communities.
The majority of the members were from the Indian National Congress, reflecting its dominant role in the independence movement.
The Muslim League initially participated but later withdrew due to the creation of Pakistan.
The Assembly included prominent leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Women members like Sarojini Naidu and Hansa Mehta contributed significantly.
Members were chosen to represent all sections of society, ensuring diversity.

The first session of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946, with Sachidananda Sinha as the interim chairman.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was later elected as the permanent Chairman.
The Assembly appointed various committees to handle specific tasks, such as the Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The Objective Resolution, moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, laid the foundation for the Constitution.
The Drafting Committee was formed on August 29, 1947 and consisted of 7 members.
The Assembly held a total of 11 sessions spanning over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
The Assembly debated and resolved various contentious issues, including federal structure, fundamental rights, and directive principles.
The proceedings were conducted in a democratic manner, with inputs from all members.
Significant emphasis was placed on creating a Constitution that embodied justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The Constituent Assembly laid the foundation for a democratic and independent Republic of India.
It ensured representation of various sections of society, promoting inclusiveness.
The Assembly's deliberations reflected India's aspiration for a sovereign, socialist, and secular state.
The Constitution framed by the Assembly is considered a living document, adaptable to changing needs and circumstances.