Indian Constitution : Omnath Dubey

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land and the framework for the governance of India. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day in India.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution:

1. Federalism: India has a federal system of government where powers are distributed between the central government and the state governments.

2. Parliamentary Democracy: India follows the parliamentary form of government where the Prime Minister is the head of the government and the President is the head of state.

3. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to its citizens, such as the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, and right to constitutional remedies.

4. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to formulate policies and laws in the interest of the people. The Directive Principles include provisions for securing social, economic, and political justice, and for promoting the welfare of the people.

5. Independent Judiciary: India has a three-tier system of courts, including the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts, which are independent of the executive and legislative branches.

6. Secularism: The Constitution ensures that the state does not promote any particular religion and provides for freedom of religion to all its citizens.

7. Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen of India who is 18 years and above has the right to vote in elections.

The Indian Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption, with the latest amendment being the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which provided for the extension of reservation for SC/ST communities in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for another ten years.

The Constitution of India has played a significant role in shaping the country's democratic and secular values, providing a framework for governance and ensuring the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms.