RAS question
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is based on the 'Objectives Resolution' drafted by:
Correct answer: (D) Jawaharlal Nehru.
Jawaharlal Nehru drafted and moved the Objectives Resolution on which the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was later based.
Explanation
The Preamble traces back to the Objectives Resolution associated with Jawaharlal Nehru. The official Constituent Assembly Debates for 13 December 1946 record the Chairman announcing that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru would move the resolution standing in his name. Nehru then described it as a statement of the Assembly's aims and an outline of the plan for constitution-making, before reading the resolution in English. Nehru moved it on 13 December 1946, the Assembly adopted it on 22 January 1947, and it later became the basis of the Preamble. Nehru was linked to the Objectives Resolution, while the office-bearers and committee heads were linked with other stages of constitution-making.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chairing the Constituent Assembly proceedings, but the Objectives Resolution stood in Jawaharlal Nehru's name.
- (B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, whereas the Objectives Resolution preceded the final drafting stage.
- (C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role lay with committees such as the Advisory Committee and States Committee, not with drafting or moving the Objectives Resolution.
Concept
The making of the Constitution links the Preamble to the Objectives Resolution. RAS repeatedly asks this connection because it brings personalities, dates, Assembly procedure and constitutional ideals into one compact fact.