Question 33 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Polity & Governanc e

Question

Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day:
1. The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.
2. On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

Strategy: - Identify the correct contemporary context for Constitution Day: 26th November marks the adoption of the Constitution, not the formation of the Drafting Committee.
- Recognize that the Drafting Committee was constituted in 1947, not 1949.
- Confirm that Statement 1 is correct due to the official notification, and Statement 2 is incorrect due to date and event mismatch.

Key Info: Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is observed annually on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. The Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution on 26th November 1949, though its full effect began on 26th January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. In 2015, the Government of India officially declared 26th November as Constitution Day to promote constitutional values and public awareness.

The Drafting Committee of the Constitution was established on 29th August 1947, with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as its Chairman. This committee was tasked with preparing the draft Constitution, which was then debated and adopted. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is widely recognized as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. The Constituent Assembly also comprised various other committees, such as the Union Powers Committee and the Advisory Committee. The final draft's adoption took place on 26th November 1949.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.