Points to Remember:
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, significantly altered the Indian Constitution.
- Several committees contributed to constitutional reforms around that time, but only one is directly linked to the 42nd Amendment.
- Identifying the correct committee requires knowledge of Indian constitutional history.
Introduction:
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 is a landmark amendment to the Constitution of India. It introduced significant changes, including the addition of the words “socialist” and “secular” to the Preamble, altering the Directive Principles of State Policy, and expanding the scope of fundamental rights. Understanding the genesis of this amendment requires examining the committees that contributed to the constitutional reforms of the era. The question specifically asks which committee recommended the changes that led to the 42nd Amendment. This requires a factual approach, focusing on historical accuracy.
Body:
The Swaran Singh Committee and the 42nd Amendment:
The correct answer is (C) Swaran Singh Committee. The Swaran Singh Committee, officially known as the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, was appointed by the Indian government in 1976. Its mandate was to review and recommend changes to the Constitution. This committee, chaired by Sardar Swaran Singh, a prominent Congress leader and former Union Minister, submitted its report, which formed the basis for the 42nd Amendment Act. The committee’s recommendations encompassed a wide range of constitutional provisions, many of which were incorporated into the final amendment. The report addressed issues related to fundamental rights, directive principles, and the structure of the government, reflecting the political and social climate of the time.
Other Committees and their Contributions:
While other committees like the Shah Nawaz Committee, B.R. Mehta Committee, and Ashok Mehta Committee contributed to constitutional discourse and reforms during different periods, they were not directly responsible for recommending the changes that culminated in the 42nd Amendment. These committees focused on different aspects of governance and economic planning, and their recommendations were considered separately. It’s crucial to distinguish their contributions from the specific mandate of the Swaran Singh Committee.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, was primarily based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. While other committees played significant roles in shaping constitutional thought and policy, the Swaran Singh Committee’s report directly influenced the content and scope of this crucial amendment. Understanding the historical context and the specific roles of various committees is vital for accurately interpreting constitutional developments in India. Moving forward, a thorough understanding of the historical context behind constitutional amendments is crucial for informed civic engagement and responsible governance. This emphasizes the importance of studying the processes and influences that shape the evolution of the Indian Constitution, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in upholding constitutional values and promoting holistic national development.
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