Question 21 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Polity & Governan ce

Question

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Strategy: - Identify the specific role of 'Provisional President' as distinct from the permanent president.
- Recall the eminent member who initially chaired the Constituent Assembly sessions before Dr. Rajendra Prasad's formal election.
- Recognize Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, as the senior-most member, was chosen for this provisional role, which leads directly to the correct identification.

Key Info: The Constituent Assembly of India held its first meeting on December 9, 1946, at Constitution Hall (now Central Hall, Parliament House, New Delhi).

Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, as the oldest member, was nominated as the Provisional President to preside over the first meeting until a permanent president was elected. This role mirrored the system followed in the French Constituent Assembly, where the senior-most member temporarily presided.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was subsequently elected as the permanent President of the Assembly on December 11, 1946.

Key roles of other members included:
- **C. Rajagopalachari** -- Was never President of the Assembly.
- **Dr. B.R. Ambedkar** -- Chaired the Drafting Committee.
- **T.T. Krishnamachari** -- Was a member of the Drafting Committee.

The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India and comprised representatives from provinces and princely states. Its proceedings laid the foundation for the Republic of India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: C. Rajagopalachari

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: T.T. Krishnamachari