75 Years of India’s Constitution: Challenges and Vision

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Government Policies & Interventions ,Issues Relating to Development ,Indian Constitution.

Focus:

India marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, commemorating the historic event with a joint session of Parliament. This milestone prompts reflection on the achievements and challenges in realizing the Constitution’s principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity as envisioned by its framers.

75 Years of India’s Constitution: Challenges & Vision

 The Constitution’s Enduring Legacy:

  • November 26 marks the 75th anniversary of India’s draft Constitution, adopted in
  • The government plans to commemorate the occasion with a special joint sitting of Parliament.
  • Self-congratulatory speeches are expected, but the one speech that should resonate is that of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
  • Ambedkar emphasized that the Constitution’s success hinges on the people and political parties implementing it effectively.
  • The Constitution is flexible, allowing amendments, but its true impact depends on the commitment of those who execute it.

Significance of the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution of India

  • Commemoration of a Milestone: November 26 marks 75 years since the Constitution’s adoption, an opportunity to honor its legacy.
  • Reflection on Governance: Encourages stakeholders to celebrate constitutional governance and assess its progress.
  • Promotion of Constitutional Culture: Aims to instill respect and awareness of constitutional values across diverse Indian communities.

Core Constitutional Values of India:

  •  Democratic Institutions:
  • Life expectancy rose from 32 to 70 years after 1949, showcasing democratic progress.
  • The 2024 general election recorded a 65.79% voter turnout, reflecting trust in democracy.
  • Smooth Power Transition:
  • Peaceful transitions across political parties highlight commitment to democratic norms.
  • Election outcomes consistently reflect the people’s will.
  • Rights and Freedoms:
  • Fundamental rights are safeguarded by courts, protecting individuals from state overreach.
  • Framers prioritized individual liberties, ensuring their enduring relevance.
  • Federalism:
  • Strengthens diversity through state-level political representation and coalition governments.
  • The 73rd and 74th Amendments bolstered local governance through panchayati raj and urban bodies.
  • Media and Civil Society:
  • Foster democracy by providing diverse viewpoints and information access.
  • Media transparency strengthens informed electorates despite challenges.

The Lacunae Identified by Ambedkar

  • Ambedkar highlighted two critical gaps: inequality and lack of fraternity in Indian society.
  • He noted the contradiction between political equality (one person, one vote) and social/economic inequality in India.
  • Ambedkar called for not just political democracy but also social democracy, stressing that fraternity is key to unity and solidarity.
  • He argued that without fraternity, liberty and equality would be undermined, and individual freedoms would only benefit a few.
  • Ambedkar’s vision required a collective effort to eliminate caste discrimination and promote national unity.

Progress Made and Challenges Remaining

  • Significant strides have been made in promoting equality, particularly with the abolition of untouchability and affirmative action programs like reservations.
  • Reservations, initially temporary, have become entrenched in the system and are politically unchallengeable, but social and economic equality is still a distant goal.
  • The demand for a caste census reflects ongoing political struggles over the distribution of resources and opportunities.
  • The principle of fraternity remains a work in progress, as political mobilization often centers on caste, religion, and region, instead of fostering a national sense of unity.
  • However, a growing sense of nationhood is evident in widespread support for national symbols like the Indian cricket team and during national crises.

The Paradox of Caste Reservations and Fraternity

  • While caste-based reservations have promoted equality, they have arguably deepened caste divisions, undermining the vision of fraternity.
  • Ambedkar’s ultimate goal was the annihilation of caste, yet caste has been institutionalized as a political resource.
  • The extension of reservations to the OBCs has not led to the removal of caste but has perpetuated its significance in politics.
  • Sociologist Dipankar Gupta argues that this system entrenches caste, rather than eroding social hierarchies as Ambedkar envisioned.
  • The debate continues on whether reservations, as they exist today, help or hinder social cohesion and the broader goal of fraternity.

Reflections on India’s Constitutional Journey

  • Despite challenges, the Constitution has survived and evolved through 106 amendments over 75 years.
  • The rise of political forces that initially rejected the Constitution has not led to its abandonment, a significant achievement.
  • However, there are concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions, such as Parliament and the judiciary.
  • The V-Dem Institute has labeled India as an “electoral autocracy,” signaling a decline in democratic values and freedoms.
  • Ambedkar’s warning about the responsibilities of independence remains relevant, urging us to focus on improving governance and upholding the Constitution’s ideals.

Ambedkar’s Vision: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity Interlinked

  • Ambedkar viewed liberty, equality, and fraternity as interdependent pillars of democracy.
  • He argued that liberty without equality would lead to dominance by a few, and equality without liberty would stifle individual initiative.
  • Fraternity was essential to ensure that liberty and equality were naturally upheld without external enforcement.
  • The absence of fraternity, compounded by caste and religious divisions, posed a major challenge to realizing this vision.
  • Ambedkar’s emphasis on fraternity highlighted the need for solidarity among Indians to create a just and equitable society.

The Constitution as a Guiding Light for Future Generations

  • The Constitution remains a robust framework, capable of guiding India through its evolving challenges.
  • Its adaptability through amendments underscores its relevance to contemporary needs.
  • Despite concerns over the weakening of democratic institutions, the Constitution continues to thrive as a testament to its resilience.
  • It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of citizens and leaders to uphold its values and principles.
  • As Ambedkar emphasized, the success of the Constitution depends on the will and integrity of its custodians to realize its full potential.

Challenges:

  • Persistence of Social Inequalities: Despite efforts, caste-based discrimination and socio-economic disparities remain deeply entrenched.
  • Undermining of Institutions: Parliament, judiciary, and democratic mechanisms face pressures, reducing their effectiveness in upholding constitutional values.
  • Fragmented Fraternity: Divisions based on caste, religion, and regional identities hinder the unity envisioned by the Constitution’s framers.
  • Limited Awareness: Many citizens lack a comprehensive understanding of their constitutional rights and duties, weakening democratic participation.
  • Electoral Polarization: Mobilization of votes on divisive lines undermines fraternity and deepens societal fissures.

Way Forward:

  • Promote Social Justice: Strengthen affirmative action programs while addressing socio-economic inequalities comprehensively.
  • Strengthen Institutions: Ensure the independence of constitutional bodies like Parliament and the judiciary to maintain checks and balances.
  • Foster Fraternity: Launch initiatives that promote national integration, emphasizing shared cultural and historical bonds.
  • Educate Citizens: Introduce programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about constitutional principles and civic responsibilities.
  • Inclusive Politics: Encourage political discourse that prioritizes common goals over divisive rhetoric to strengthen democratic values.
  • By addressing these challenges and adhering to the Constitution’s principles, India can achieve a more equitable, unified, and progressive society.

Conclusion:

The Constitution of India stands as a living document, guiding the nation amidst evolving challenges. To fulfill its promise, collective efforts are needed to strengthen institutions, foster unity, and uphold democratic values, ensuring the vision of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity becomes a tangible reality for all citizens.

Source: The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the challenges in realizing the vision of the Indian Constitution and suggest measures to ensure its effective implementation in contemporary India.