SSC Steno Grade C and D 13 Oct 2023 Shift 2 Paper

Question Numbers: 186-190
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. 
The Constituent Assembly of India was a body that was set up to draft and enact a new Constitution for India, which became the supreme law of the country upon its adoption in 1950. The assembly was constituted in 1946, after India's independence from British rule was assured. It was composed of 389 members, including 296 representatives from British India and 93 from the princely states. The assembly held its first session on 9 December 1946 and continued to work for nearly 3 years to complete the drafting of the Constitution. The final document was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, marking the beginning of India's status as a republic. 
One of the key features of the Constituent Assembly was its inclusivity. The members of the assembly were drawn from diverse backgrounds and political persuasions, representing a broad spectrum of Indian society. They included representatives from different castes, religions and regions, as well as members with varying levels of education and political experience. This diversity was reflected in the debates and discussions that took place within the assembly, which were often passionate and contentious, but ultimately led to a constitution that was widely regarded as fair and balanced.
The drafting of the Constitution was a complex and lengthy process that required extensive debate and negotiation. The members of the assembly were divided into several committees that were responsible for different aspects of the Constitution, such as the Fundamental Rights Committee, the Union Powers Committee and the Drafting Committee. The most important of these committees was the Drafting Committee, which was headed by Dr. BR Ambedkar, a prominent leader and jurist who played a key role in shaping the final document. The Constitution that emerged from the Constituent Assembly was a historic document that set the framework for India's democracy and governance. It established India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic and outlined a system of government that was based on the principles of separation of powers, federalism and fundamental rights. The Constitution also enshrined a number of progressive provisions that reflected the aspirations of the Indian people, such as the right to equality, the right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to education. 
The enforcement of the Constitution on 26 January 1950 was a momentous occasion in Indian history, marking the culmination of a long and hard-fought struggle for independence and self-rule. The day is celebrated every year as Republic Day, a national holiday that is marked by parades, speeches and cultural events across the country. The Constitution remains the cornerstone of India's democracy and is widely regarded as one of the most important and progressive documents of its kind in the world. Overall, the Constituent Assembly of India was a remarkable achievement, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and compromise that characterised India's struggle for independence. Its legacy continues to shape India's political and social landscape to this day, and its example serves as an inspiration for other countries that seek to establish democratic and inclusive systems of governance.