From ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’ to Women’s Reservation: 10 Key Constitutional Amendments Students Must Learn: The Women`s Reservation Bill seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. The dedicated authority shall determine the allocation of sets as prescribed by Parliament. The Constitution of India, as the supreme law of the land, should be responsive to changing needs and situations.
From ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’ to Women’s Reservation
The Supreme Court of India recently upheld the inclusion of the terms “secular” and “socialist” in the Preamble of the Constitution, declaring them an inalienable part of its structure. The Decision came while dismissing petitions filed in 2020 that challenged their addition through the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act, 1976. The petitioners argued that the terms were inserted retrospectively and alleged they restricted economic policy choices and contradicted the Constituent Assembly`s intentions.
The idea of reservation for women in parliament has long been contested in India, reappearing in the political milieu time and again for different reasons.
The legislation mandates the reservation of one-third of all sets in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and
10 Key Constitutional Amendments Students Must Learn
The constitution of India, the longest written constitution in the world, stands as a testament to the nation`s democratic spirit and inclusive governance. The Constitution is known to be flexible, adapting to changing times through a series of amendments. This dynamism has allowed it to address social-political challenges.
Since 1950, the Indian Constitution has undergone 106 amendments as of August 2024. The recent 106th Amendment was enacted in 2023 to reserve 1/3 of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The legislation mandates the reservation of 1/3 of all sets in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and Delhi for women.
Below is a list of 10 Key significant Constitutional amendments every student should know:-
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This amendment introduced the concept of Union Territories and adjusted several constitutional provisions, paving the way for more state governance. The amendment restructured the Indian states along linguistic lines and replaced the classification of states into Class A, B, C, and D. It resolved demands for linguistic statehood like Andra Pradesh For Telgue speakers.
2. 24th Amendment, 1971: Parliament`s Power over Fundamental Rights
The 24th Amendment empowered Parliament to dilute or name fundamental rights, as necessary, through constitutional amendment bills. This Amendment is obligatory for the President to give assent to bills and ensure a process for constitutional changes.
3. 42nd Amendment. 1976: Preamble Changes and Centralization of Power
Copied the Mini Constitution, ” This amendment redefined the Indian Constitution during the emergency. It added “Socialist, “Secular,” and Integrity” to the Preamble and introduced fundamental duties for citizens. It curtailed judicial review and centralized power with the Union government.
4. 52nd Amendment, 1985: Anti-Defection Law
The 52nd Amendment introduced the Tenth Schedule, the Anti-Defection Law. It aimed to control political instability by disqualifying members of Parliament and state Legislatures who defect from their political parties. This step ensured reduced opportunistic politics.
5. 61st Amendment, Lowering Voting Age
This Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, expanding the democratic participation of India`s youth. It empowered millions of young citizens, to recognise their role in the nation`s future.
6. 65th Amendment, 1990: SC/ST Commission
The 65th Amendment elevated the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes to a statutory body with constitutional authority. This change upholds the Commission’s ability to address discrimination and ensure the communities.
7. 73rd Amendment, 1993: Panchayati Raj
This Amendment introduced the panchayat Raj system, institutionalizing grassroots governance in India. I added Part 9 and the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution, granting constitutional status to village-level administration and promoting democracy.
8. 86th Amendment, 2002: Right to Education
This Amendment made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years by adding Article 21A. It also redefined the directive principles to prioritize early childhood care and education.
9. 93rd Amendment, 2005: OBC Reservation in Education
The 93rd Amendment enable the provision of 27% reservation for other Backward Classes in education institutions, The goal of social justice and inclusivity in higher education.
10. 106th Amendment, 2023: Women`s Reservation
This Historic amendment reserved one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies, marking a significant step toward gender equality in political representation. It reflects India’s commitment to empowering women in governance.