1.2 Constituent Assembly: Composition & Objectives

 


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

The Constitution of India was drafted by a sovereign body called the Constituent Assembly, which represented the people of India and worked from December 9, 1946, to November 26, 1949. Its formation, working, and objectives are discussed in detail by constitutional scholars such as D.D. Basu, P.M. Bakshi, and Subhash Kashyap, as prescribed in your syllabus.


(References: D.D. Basu – “Introduction to the Constitution of India”, P.M. Bakshi – “The Constitution of India”, Subhash C. Kashyap – “Our Constitution”)



COMPOSITION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

✔️ 1. Total Strength

  • The Constituent Assembly had a total of 389 members.

    • 296 from British India

    • 93 from Princely States

✔️ 2. Method of Election

  • Members from British India were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.

  • Elections followed the proportional representation system with single transferable vote.

  • Seats were divided among:

    • Hindus

    • Muslims

    • Sikhs
      (based on population)

✔️ 3. Representation of Princely States

  • Members from princely states were nominated by the rulers, not elected.

✔️ 4. Chairmanship

  • Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha → Temporary Chairman (first meeting, 9 December 1946)

  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad → Elected President of the Assembly

  • H.C. Mukherjee → Vice-President

  • B.N. Rau → Constitutional Adviser

✔️ 5. Participation

  • Total working strength reduced to 299 members after partition (1947), when Muslim League members from Pakistan withdrew.

✔️ 6. Committees

The Assembly worked through 22 committees, including:

  • Union Constitution Committee (Nehru)

  • Drafting Committee (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman)

  • Provincial Constitution Committee (Patel)

  • Fundamental Rights Committee (Nehru)


OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

1. To Frame a Constitution for Independent India

  • Primary objective was to create a comprehensive Constitution establishing:

    • Democratic political structure

    • Rule of law

    • Fundamental rights

    • Independent judiciary

    • Federal system

2. To Reflect the Aspirations of the People

  • The Constitution was to be based on the will of the people, not imposed from outside.

  • This reflected in the Preamble, which begins with “We, the People of India…”

3. To Ensure Political, Social and Economic Justice

  • The goals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity guided the Assembly.

  • These values were inspired by:

    • The French Revolution

    • American Bill of Rights

    • Irish Constitution (Directive Principles)

4. To Establish a Sovereign Democratic Republic

  • The Assembly aimed to build a system where:

    • Power rests with the people

    • Government functions through elected representatives

    • India becomes a Republic (head of state elected, not hereditary)

5. To Integrate a Diverse Nation

  • India had:

    • Different religions

    • Languages

    • Regions

    • Cultures

    • 562 princely states

  • The Assembly aimed to unify the nation through a common constitutional framework.

6. To Guarantee Fundamental Rights

  • Protect the rights of citizens

  • End colonial practices like discrimination, arbitrary arrests, censorship

  • Establish dignity and freedom

7. To Lay Down Directive Principles for Welfare State

  • Provide guidelines for:

    • Social justice

    • Education

    • Employment

    • Healthcare

    • Economic equality

8. To Adopt a Parliamentary System

  • Inspired by the British model

  • Ensures:

    • Accountability

    • Stable government

    • Collective responsibility

Conclusion 

The Constituent Assembly was a historic and democratic body that represented India’s diversity and aspirations. Its composition reflected political realities of pre-independence India, and its objectives aimed at building a modern, democratic, sovereign, and inclusive nation. The Constitution they drafted not only ended colonial rule but also laid the foundation for a just, free, and united India.

(References: D.D. Basu – “Introduction to the Constitution of India”, P.M. Bakshi – “The Constitution of India”, Subhash C. Kashyap – “Our Constitution”)



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

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