Page 2 - 2.Lesson Notes-A New and Divided Nation-181212120111

Franchise; All Indians above the age of 21 would be allowed to vote in the
state and national elections. This was the revolutionary step as Indians
never had been allowed to choose their own leaders.
(iii) It guaranteed equality before the law to all citizens, regardless of their
caste or religious affiliation. This was Constitution’s second feature.

(iv) The third feature of the Constitution was that it offered special
privileges for the poorest and the most disadvantaged group of Indians.

(v) The practice of untouchability was abolished.

(vi) Temples which were once opened for only higher castes were now
open to all including the untouchables or Harijans.

vii) Along with the former Untouchables, the Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes
were also granted reservation in seats and jobs.

(viii) The Constituent Assembly spent many days in discussing the powers
of the Central government and of the State government. It was decided
that Centre’s interest should be foremost as they will be in position to think
& plan for the well-being of the country as a whole.

(ix) The Constitution sought to strike a balance of power, between the
centre and the states by providing three lists of subjects which are Union
list, the State list, and the Concurrent list.

• The Union list has subjects like taxes, defence, and foreign affairs
which are the responsibility of the Centre.
• The State list has subjects like education and health, which would
be taken care of principally by the state.
• The Concurrent list comprises of forests, agriculture, etc. in which
the centre and the states would have joint responsibility.
(x) Hindi was designated as the ‘Official language’ of India and English
would be used in the courts, the services and communications between
one state and another.
(xi) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the Chairman of the drafting committee
and under whose supervision the document was finalized played an
important role in framing the Indian Constitution and referred to as “The
father of Indian Constitution”.