Question map
Which one of the following terms was used for the States in the Draft Constitution presented by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 4th November, 1948?
Explanation
On November 4, 1948, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar formally introduced the final Draft Constitution in the Constituent Assembly [2]. In his introductory speech, he specifically addressed the terminology used to describe the Indian polity. While the Drafting Committee proposed a federal structure, they deliberately chose the term 'Union of States' in Article 1 [1]. Ambedkar explained that this choice was significant because the Indian federation was not the result of an agreement by the states to join a federation, and therefore, no state had the right to secede from it [1]. He emphasized that although the government was federal in form, the federation was a 'Union' because it was indestructible [1]. This distinction was intended to clarify that the Indian Union was a permanent entity, unlike a loose confederation or a voluntary federation of sovereign states [1].
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 2: Making of the Constitution > ENACTMENTOFTHE CONSTITUTION > p. 15
- [2] https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-union-government-has-a-unifying-effect/article34938894.ece