Important Points to Remember about Constituent Assembly of India

The idea for a Constituent Assembly for drafting a constitution for India was first provided by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1895. In 1934, the demand for a constituent assembly was raised for the first time, which later became an Official Demand in 1935. This demand was accepted in August 1940 offer by the British.

The constituent assembly was formed on the recommendation of the Cabinet Mission which visited India in 1946

The first meeting of Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946— its temporary president was Dr  Sacchidanand Sinha

The second meeting was held on December 11, 1946. Its president was Dr Rajendra Prasad.

The Objectives Resolution was passed under the chairmanship of J.L. Nehru.on 13 December 1946.

The Draft of Indian Constitution was presented in October 1947. President of the Drafting Committee was Bhim Rao Ambedkar

The total time consumed to prepare the draft was 2 years, 11 months, 18 days.

The Constituent Assembly was the First Parliament of Independent India.

The Indian Constitution was enacted on November 26, 1949, and put into force on January 26, 1950.

On that day, the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist, transforming itself into the Provisional Parliament of India until a new Parliament was constituted in 1952

Functions performed by Constituent Assembly

Enacting of ordinary laws

Adopted national flag- 22-07-1947

Adopted national anthem- 24-01-1950

Adopted national song- 24-01-1950

Elected Dr Rajendra Prasad first President of India: 26-01-1950

 Facts about the constituent assembly

Had 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months and 18 days

Constitution makers visited 60 countries.

Total expenditure - Rs 64 lakh

Major Committees

Union Powers Committee - Jawaharlal Nehru

Union Constitution Committee - Jawaharlal Nehru

Provincial Constitution Committee - Sardar Patel

Drafting Committee - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities - Sardar Patel

This committee had Two sub-committees:

(a) Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee - J.B. Kripalani

(b) Minorities Sub-Committee - H.C. Mukherjee

Rules of Procedure Committee - Dr. Rajendra Prasad

States Committee (Committee for Negotiating with States) - Jawaharlal Nehru

Steering Committee - Dr. Rajendra Prasad