The Indian Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting the Constitution of India, constituted several committees to deliberate on various aspects of the constitution.
- Drafting Committee:
- Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Function: The most significant committee, responsible for drafting the constitution based on the discussions and deliberations of the Assembly.
- Role: Ambedkar and the committee members prepared the initial draft by synthesizing inputs from various sources, including the Objectives Resolution and discussions within the Assembly.
- Union Powers Committee:
- Chairman: Jawaharlal Nehru
- Function: Examined and determined the distribution of powers between the center and the states in a federal framework.
- Role: Deliberated on the legislative, administrative, and financial powers of the Union government and the states.
- Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee:
- Chairman: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Function: Focused on formulating the list of fundamental rights for Indian citizens.
- Role: Drafted and recommended fundamental rights, including rights to equality, freedom of speech, and protection of minorities.
- Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, Tribal and Excluded Areas:
- Chairman: Sardar Patel
- Function: Addressed concerns related to minorities, tribal regions, and excluded areas.
- Role: Examined and made recommendations on the protection of minority rights and the welfare of tribal and excluded communities.
- Committee on the Functions of the Constituent Assembly:
- Chairman: G.V. Mavalankar
- Function: Determined the functions and responsibilities of the Constituent Assembly.
- Role: Defined the scope and procedures for the Assembly’s work and its relationship with other institutions.
- Steering Committee:
- Chairman: Rajendra Prasad
- Function: Coordinated and guided the overall functioning of the Assembly.
- Role: Facilitated discussions, managed the agenda, and ensured coordination among various committees and members.
- Rules of Procedure Committee:
- Chairman: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
- Function: Framed the rules and procedures governing the workings of the Constituent Assembly.
- Role: Established the protocols, norms, and processes for conducting discussions, voting, and decision-making.
These committees played crucial roles in shaping different facets of the Constitution, addressing intricate issues, and ensuring comprehensive deliberations on fundamental rights, federalism, governance structures, and minority rights. Their efforts contributed significantly to the drafting of the Constitution of India, which embodies the nation’s foundational principles and values.
