Lesson 3.5: Important Amendments, Policies, and Constitutional Bodies
The Indian Constitution is dynamic, allowing amendments and establishing key policies and bodies to ensure effective governance.
Important Constitutional Amendments:
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42nd Amendment (1976): Strengthened the Preamble, Fundamental Duties added.
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44th Amendment (1978): Restored fundamental rights curtailed during Emergency.
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73rd & 74th Amendments (1992): Empowered Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies.
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101st Amendment (2016): Introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Key Policies:
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Economic Policies: Liberalization (1991), Industrial and Trade policies, Make in India.
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Social Policies: Education (RTE Act), Health (National Health Mission), Employment schemes (MGNREGA).
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Environmental Policies: National Environment Policy, Biodiversity Act.
Constitutional Bodies:
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Election Commission of India: Conducts free and fair elections.
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Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG): Audits government accounts.
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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): Recruitment and examination of civil servants.
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Finance Commission: Distribution of financial resources between Union and States.
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National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Protects and promotes human rights.
Key Points for Revision:
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Landmark amendments β 42nd, 44th, 73rd, 74th, 101st
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Major policies β economic, social, environmental
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Constitutional bodies β roles and responsibilities
Example Question (Prelims Practice):
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βWhich amendment added Fundamental Duties to the Constitution?β β 42nd Amendment
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βWhich body conducts civil services examinations in India?β β UPSC
