Important Constitutional Amendments For UPSC
The Constitution of India has been amended several times to accommodate evolving social, economic, and political requirements. Following are few Important Constitutional Amendments For UPSC.
1. First Amendment Act, 1951
Purpose: This amendment introduced limitations on freedom of speech and expression, allowed the state to create specific measures for the progress of socially and educationally disadvantaged groups, and validated laws abolishing zamindari.
Significance: The main goal of this amendment was to tackle concerns regarding land reforms and freedom of speech.
2. Seventh Amendment Act, 1956
Objective: To implement the suggestions of the States Reorganization Commission and restructure states based on linguistic criteria.
Importance: This resulted in the formation of new states and union territories, as well as the reconfiguration of existing state borders.
3. Twenty-fourth Amendment Act, 1971
Purpose: This amendment confirmed Parliament’s authority to modify any section of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights.
Significance: This amendment was a direct reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision in Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967), which stated that Parliament did not have the power to amend Fundamental Rights.
4. Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976
The “Mini-Constitution” was created with the purpose of making extensive changes to the Indian Constitution, including adding the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble, limiting judicial review, and expanding the Directive Principles of State Policy. This amendment had a significant impact on the structure and operation of the Indian Constitution.
5. Forty-fourth Amendment Act, 1978
Purpose: The amendment aimed to undo the changes made by the Forty-second Amendment, reinstate the authority of judicial review, and protect civil liberties.
Significance: It sought to safeguard democratic values and personal freedoms.
6. Fifty-second Amendment Act, 1985
Objective: The introduction of the Anti-Defection Law aimed to prevent political defections and uphold party discipline.
Importance: It included the addition of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, which detailed the procedure for disqualifying elected members due to defection.
7. Seventy-third Amendment Act, 1992
Objective: To grant constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance the effectiveness of local self-government.
Importance: It required the formation of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, as well as the guarantee of regular elections and representation of marginalized communities.
8. Seventy-fourth Amendment Act, 1992
Objective: To grant constitutional status to urban local bodies (Municipalities) and enhance urban governance.
Importance: It standardized the organization of Municipalities and guaranteed their regular elections and representation of marginalized communities.
9.Eighty-sixth Amendment Act, 2002
Objective: To establish education as a basic entitlement for children between the ages of 6 and 14.
Importance: Added Article 21A, which requires the government to ensure that all children in this age range receive free and mandatory education.
10. One Hundred and First Amendment Act, 2016
Objective: The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) aimed to establish a consolidated market. This initiative eliminated various indirect taxes and streamlined the tax structure, ultimately facilitating business operations.
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