The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, providing the framework for governance and ensuring the rights and duties of its citizens. Since its adoption in 1950, the Indian Constitution has undergone numerous amendments to keep it in sync with the changing needs and aspirations of the nation. As UPSC aspirants, a comprehensive understanding of these key constitutional amendments is essential to grasp the nuances of Indian polity. In this blog, we will explore some of the most important amendments to the Constitution of India and their significance.
1. 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951:
The first amendment, post-independence, introduced Article 15(4) and Article 19(6) in Part III of the Constitution. Article 15(4) allowed the government to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, while Article 19(6) placed reasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression in the interest of public order.
2. 24th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971:
This amendment was introduced to nullify the Supreme Court's decision in the Golaknath case, which had held that Parliament did not have the power to amend fundamental rights. The 24th Amendment clarified that Parliament had the authority to amend any part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights.
3. 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976:
Regarded as the "Mini Constitution," this amendment made significant changes to the Preamble, adding the words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity." It also introduced the concept of Fundamental Duties under Part IVA of the Constitution, emphasizing citizens' responsibilities towards the nation.
4. 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978:
This amendment altered the Right to Property, removing it from the list of fundamental rights and making it a legal and constitutional right under Article 300A. It also brought changes to the declaration of a national emergency, subjecting it to judicial review by the courts.
5. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:
The 73rd Amendment Act introduced Part XI in the Constitution, which dealt with the Panchayati Raj System. It granted constitutional status to local self-governance institutions, providing them with autonomy and power to function effectively.
6. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:
Similar to the 73rd Amendment, this act added Part IXA in the Constitution, focusing on municipalities. It aimed to strengthen urban local bodies and decentralize power to the grassroots level.
7. 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002:
The 86th Amendment made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years, guaranteeing them access to free and compulsory education. This amendment played a crucial role in promoting universal education across the country.
8. 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2017:
The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) through this amendment brought a revolutionary change to India's tax system. It replaced multiple central and state taxes, leading to a unified and streamlined tax regime across the country.
9. 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019:
To address the issue of economic inequality, this amendment provided 10% reservation to the economically weaker sections (EWS) in government jobs and educational institutions. The amendment aimed to uplift the economically deprived sections of society.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is a living document that evolves with time to meet the nation's changing needs. The amendments discussed in this blog represent a few of the most significant changes that have shaped India's polity over the years. As UPSC aspirants, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of these amendments to navigate questions related to Indian polity in the civil services examination successfully. By comprehending the spirit and purpose behind these constitutional amendments, aspirants can develop a well-rounded perspective on India's democratic governance and contribute positively to the nation's growth and development.
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Golaknath case, Socialist, Secular, and Integrity in the Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitutional Amendment Procedures
Source: Jagran Josh | Writing Law
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