Constituent Assembly - Facts

Constitution of India is one of the world’s finest drafted written constitutions. This is not an adoption of any readymade constitution; it is the result of hard work of a group of eminent people who made it for the people of India.

Important Points to Remember about Constituent Assembly of India

The constituent assembly is an assembly of chosen representatives who gather to draft a constitution. It is also called the constitution assembly.

1. The idea for a Constituent Assembly for drafting a constitution for India was first provided by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1895. In 1934, the demand for a constituent assembly was raised for the first time, which later became an Official Demand in 1935. This demand was accepted in August 1940 offer by the British.

2. The constituent assembly was formed on the recommendation of the Cabinet Mission which visited India in 1946

3. The first meeting of Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946— its temporary president was Dr Sacchidanand Sinha

4. The second meeting was held on December 11, 1946. Its president was Dr Rajendra Prasad.

5. The Objectives Resolution was passed under the chairmanship of J.L. Nehru.on 13 December 1946.

6. The Draft of Indian Constitution was presented in October 1947. President of the Drafting Committee was Bhim Rao Ambedkar

7. The total time consumed to prepare the draft was 2 years, 11 months, 18 days.

8. The Constituent Assembly was the First Parliament of Independent India.

9. The Indian Constitution was enacted on November 26, 1949, and put into force on January 26, 1950.

10. On that day, the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist, transforming itself into the Provisional Parliament of India until a new Parliament was constituted in 1952

11. Functions performed by Constituent Assembly – Enacting of ordinary laws

Important dates to remember

1. Adopted national flag- 22-07-1947

2. Adopted national anthem- 24-01-1950

3. Adopted national song- 24-01-1950

4. Elected Dr Rajendra Prasad first President of India: 26-01-1950

Important facts

1. Had 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months and 18 days

2. Constitution makers visited 60 countries.

3. Total expenditure - Rs 64 lakh

Major Committees

1. Union Powers Committee - Jawaharlal Nehru

2. Union Constitution Committee - Jawaharlal Nehru

3. Provincial Constitution Committee - Sardar Patel

4. Drafting Committee - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

5. Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities - Sardar Patel

6. This committee had Two sub-committees:

7. Minorities Sub-Committee - H.C. Mukherjee

8. Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee - J.B. Kripalani

9. Rules of Procedure Committee - Dr. Rajendra Prasad

10. States Committee (Committee for Negotiating with States) - Jawaharlal Nehru

11. Steering Committee - Dr. Rajendra Prasad