Contents
Introduction
India’s Constitution—crafted through nearly three years of deliberation and reflecting global best practices—established universal adult franchise in 1950, enabling inclusive democratic participation and forming the foundational moral, legal, and institutional roadmap for a future Viksit Bharat.
Why the Constitution Is the Ideal Guide for Achieving Viksit Bharat
A Vision Document Rooted in Transformative Constitutionalism
- The framers envisioned a Constitution not as a static legal code but as an evolving instrument of transformative constitutionalism, capable of social engineering and long-term nation-building.
- Its core values—Liberty, Equality, Justice, Fraternity—are inseparable from the vision of a developed, just, and self-reliant India by 2047.
Democratic Empowerment Through Universal Adult Franchise
- India became the first large postcolonial nation to grant universal adult franchise from day one, empowering all citizens irrespective of caste, gender, literacy, or wealth.
- This strengthened political inclusion, making democracy the bedrock of India’s development model.
- The Election Commission of India, empowered under Article 324, has ensured high voter participation—over 67% turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, narrowing gender gaps in political representation.
Fostering Inclusivity and Empowering Marginalized Communities
- Constitutional Safeguards for Social Justice: The Constitution explicitly incorporates affirmative action and safeguards:
- Articles 15(4), 15(5), 16(4): reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs
- Fifth & Sixth Schedules: tribal autonomy and cultural protection
- Article 46: promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections
Landmark policies—Mandal Commission implementation, Forest Rights Act 2006, PESA 1996—are grounded in these constitutional principles.
- Progressive Judicial Interpretation Expanding Rights: The judiciary has played a vital role in broadening rights through purposive interpretation:
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Basic Structure doctrine ensures constitutional continuity.
- Minerva Mills (1980): balance between fundamental rights and directive principles.
- NALSA v. Union of India (2014): recognition of transgender persons.
- Puttaswamy (2017): right to privacy as a fundamental right.
- Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): protection against workplace harassment.
These decisions demonstrate the Constitution’s capacity to protect emerging vulnerabilities and empower marginalized groups.
- Economic and Social Development through Directive Principles: Directive Principles (Part IV) guide the State in pursuing:
- universal education (Article 45 → Right to Education Act 2009)
- equitable redistribution (Article 39(b) & (c))
- gender justice and equal pay (Article 39(d))
- nutrition, health, livelihoods (Article 47)
These principles have informed programmes like MGNREGA, NFSA, Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, JAM Financial Inclusion, and now Digital India.
- Constitutional Amendability Enabling Adaptive Governance: With 106 amendments, the Constitution allows institutional restructuring without losing its core values.
Examples:
- 73rd & 74th Amendments created grassroot democracy
- 103rd Amendment (EWS) widened social justice
- GST (101st Amendment) ensured cooperative fiscal federalism
This adaptability is crucial for building a modern, resilient, and inclusive Viksit Bharat.
- Parliament as an Agency of Social Transformation
Parliament has enacted transformative legislation—anti-untouchability laws (1955), abolition of privy purses (1971), transgender rights (2019)—demonstrating the Constitution’s enabling framework for equity-oriented reform.
Conclusion
As Granville Austin noted, India’s Constitution is a “seamless web of social revolution.” Its inclusive ethos, adaptive framework, and progressive jurisprudence make it the most reliable guide to a truly Viksit Bharat.
