Constitution Day 2024 - India

 

Introduction and Current Significance

- Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26th November 1949.

- The Prime Minister of India joined the 2024 celebrations, emphasizing the Constitution as a living document crucial for socio-economic progress and justice.

- The same day also commemorates the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, signifying India's resilience.

 

Historical Context and Importance

- Constitution Day promotes awareness of India's democratic values: justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

- In 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment declared 26th November as Constitution Day to deepen citizens' connection with the Constitution. Before 2015, the day was observed as National Law Day.

- The day also honours the Constituent Assembly's vision in drafting the Constitution and Dr B.R. Ambedkar

- the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and the father of the Indian Constitution.

 

Constitution Day Celebrations 2024

- For the first time ever, Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Constitution Day, symbolising a new chapter in its alignment with India's legal and political framework.

- The Minister of Labour and Employment participated in the "Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman" campaign.

- The President of India highlighted the contributions of 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly, acknowledging their roles in shaping the Constitution.

 

Uniqueness of the Indian Constitution

- The Indian Constitution is a "Living Document" due to its amendability, responsiveness to contemporary needs through judicial interpretation, federal structure, and hybrid nature.

- The Constitution also has provisions for social change, enabling it to respond to societal shifts such as protecting marginalized communities and promoting social justice.

 

Facts about the Indian Constitution

- Drafted by the Constituent Assembly over approximately three years, the Constitution contained a Preamble, 395 Articles (across 22 Parts), and 8 Schedules.

- Currently, it includes a Preamble, over 450 Articles (divided into 25 Parts), and 12 Schedules.

- As of September 2024, the Constitution has been amended 106 times.

- The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest written Constitution in the world, reflecting the diverse and vast country it governs.

- Developed under the influence of international constitutions such as those of America, Ireland, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Germany, the Constitution maintains its comprehensive nature due to the diversity and vastness of India, the influence of the Government of India Act 1935, and a single unified governance structure.