Unlock Your Score Potential: Ace CBSE 10 with Recent Amendments and Key Features of the Indian Constitution
May 16, 2024
The Indian Constitution is more than just words on paper; it's the heartbeat of a diverse and ancient civilization reborn as a modern democracy. Each article and clause hides a story, a debate, and a vision of a just and inclusive future. As the cornerstone of the world's largest democracy, its depths hold the dreams and struggles of over a billion souls. Dive in, and you'll find yourself on a journey through a nation's soul, its past, present, and aspirations…
The quill and paper symbolize the distinctive features of the Indian Constitution.
Features of the Indian constitution
The Indian Constitution has several distinctive features that set it apart. Understanding these features is crucial to comprehend the functioning and significance of our constitutional framework. Explore some of these key features:
1. Fundamental rights
The Indian Constitution has basic rights that keep people's freedom and equality safe. These rights include the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to education, protection against discrimination, and more. For instance, Article 19 guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, allowing individuals to voice their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship.
2. Secularism
Secularism upholds the principle of religious neutrality, ensuring equal treatment and protection for individuals of all religions. The Indian state does not favor any particular religion and maintains a neutral stance, leading to a sense of inclusivity and harmony among diverse religious communities.
3. Federalism
The Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure of governance, dividing powers between the central government and the state governments. The central government is responsible for matters of national importance, while the state governments handle issues relating to their respective states.
4. Parliamentary form of government
India follows a parliamentary form of government, where the President is the ceremonial head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament plays a crucial role in making laws and governing the country.
5. Separation of powers
The functions and powers of the government are divided among the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. This separation ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Recent Amendments in the Indian constitution
The Indian Constitution has been amended several times to match the changing needs and dreams of the country.
The Indian Constitution has been amended several times to match the changing needs and dreams of the country. Here are the six most recent changes that have had a big impact:
1. The constitution (100th Amendment) act, 2015
The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) was an agreement signed between India and Bangladesh to resolve border disputes and facilitate the exchange of enclaves between the two countries. The enclaves were small pockets of land belonging to one country that were surrounded by the other country's territory. This amendment approved the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, resolving border disputes and facilitating the exchange of enclaves between the two countries.
2. The constitution (101st amendment) act, 2017
Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a unified indirect tax system, which aimed to simplify tax administration across the country. Moreover, it has made goods and services cheaper for buyers and supported financial unification all over the nation.
3. The constitution (102nd amendment) act, 2018
This amendment granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), empowering it to safeguard the rights and interests of people belonging to castes or communities that have been historically marginalized and face social, educational, and economic challenges. The NCBC investigates, monitors, and advises the government on matters related to the social, educational, and economic development of these classes.
4. The constitution (103rd amendment) act, 2019
Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) refer to a category of people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have access to basic amenities and opportunities. Through this amendment, the Indian government introduced a 10% reservation policy for EWSs in educational institutions and government jobs to address economic disparities and promote social mobility. This policy reserved 10% of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for individuals belonging to EWSs.
5. The constitution (104th amendment) act, 2020
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are official terms that refer to communities in India that have been historically disadvantaged. The SCs are considered the lowest in the Hindu caste hierarchy, and they have faced social and economic discrimination for a very long time. The STs are indigenous communities that have been marginalized throughout India's history. The government has introduced a reservation policy to ensure that SCs and STs are represented in government bodies. The recent amendment extended the reservation policy for an additional ten years. This will help to address the historical injustices faced by these communities and ensure that they have a say in the decision-making process.
6. The constitution (105th amendment) act, 2021
This recent amendment clarified that states have the authority to maintain a "state list" of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), ensuring their proper representation and welfare. OBCs refer to a group of people belonging to castes or communities that have been historically marginalized and face social, educational, and economic challenges. With this amendment, the Indian Constitution aims to provide affirmative action and reservation policies to promote their welfare and representation in society.
FAQs
1. How have skilled Indian immigrants impacted the US economy?
Skilled Indian immigrants, especially those coming to the US on H-1B visas, have predominantly been active in the information technology industry. Their contributions have significantly driven innovation and growth in the technology sector, strengthening the US economy.
2. Why is tourism crucial in the India-US bilateral relationship?
Tourism fosters deeper economic and cultural ties between India and the US. When American tourists spend in India, it contributes significantly to US service imports. Likewise, Indian tourist expenditure in the US has also shown substantial growth, emphasizing the balanced and mutually beneficial nature of the relationship.
3. How have Indian-Americans influenced US politics?
Indian-Americans, being the second-largest Asian-American community in the US, have made their presence felt in American politics. They have achieved high-ranking political positions, including governors and members of Congress. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris is of Indian descent. Their contributions across various sectors underscore their integral role in American society.
4. What challenges arise from India's approach to foreign policy in relation to the US?
While India and the US share many common interests, India's foreign policy often aims to maintain amicable relations with a wide range of countries, irrespective of their alignment with US interests. This sometimes poses challenges in aligning India's objectives with those of the US, especially when their allies or strategic interests diverge in regions like the Middle East.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution stands as the cornerstone of the nation's governance, ensuring the protection of individual rights and upholding democratic principles. Understanding its key features and recent amendments is vital in order to grasp the significance and functioning of India’s constitutional framework. To further enhance your knowledge and excel academically, subscribe to Aha's AI learning platform. Aha offers a wide range of resources and learning materials to help you grasp complex concepts and learn smart, not hard. Start your journey towards academic excellence today!
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