The minor committees of the Constituent Assembly of India were smaller groups formed to address specific issues, provide recommendations, and examine various aspects of the constitution-making process. While not as prominent as the major committees, they played vital roles in shaping certain key elements. Here’s a detailed look at some of these minor committees:
- Committee on Rules of Procedure:
- Chairman: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- Function: Framed the rules and procedures governing the functioning of the Constituent Assembly.
- Role: Established guidelines for conducting debates, voting, and decision-making within the Assembly.
- Committee on the Functioning of Provincial Legislatures and the Union:
- Chairman: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
- Function: Studied the functions, powers, and structures of provincial (state) legislatures and the central (union) legislature.
- Role: Provided insights and recommendations on legislative structures and functioning at both levels of government.
- Committee on the Rules of Drafting:
- Chairman: B.N. Rau
- Function: Formulated guidelines and rules for drafting the Constitution.
- Role: Established norms and standards for the language, structure, and formatting of the constitutional text.
- Committee on the National Flag:
- Chairman: Rajendra Prasad
- Function: Examined and proposed the design and features of the national flag of India.
- Role: Finalized the design and features of the tricolor Indian flag, incorporating symbols representing the nation’s ideals.
- Committee on the Emblem:
- Chairman: J.B. Kripalani
- Function: Explored and recommended the national emblem for India.
- Role: Deliberated on the design and elements to be included in the national emblem, symbolizing India’s identity and values.
- Committee on the Supreme Court:
- Chairman: H.J. Kania
- Function: Discussed the establishment and powers of the Supreme Court of India.
- Role: Examined the jurisdiction, composition, and functions of the apex court in the Indian judicial system.
- Committee on Minority Rights and Minorities Safeguards:
- Chairman: Frank Anthony
- Function: Examined issues related to the protection of minority rights in India.
- Role: Explored measures to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities within the framework of the Constitution.
These minor committees played significant roles in addressing specific concerns and providing expert recommendations on diverse issues, ensuring meticulous attention to details within the broader process of constitution-making. Each committee contributed in its own sphere to the comprehensive framework of the Indian Constitution, reflecting the nation’s values and aspirations.
