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DISCUSSION ON THE GLORIOUS JOURNEY OF 75 YEARS OF CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, on 16 December initiated the discussion on the remarkable 75-year glorious journey of the Indian Constitution in Rajya Sabha by stating that India’s experience has demonstrated that the Constitution is still strong, despite a number of amendments that were necessary at the time. Excerpts of the speech:
The 389 Members of the Constituent Assembly, in particular the 15 women Members in less than three years, together took up the arduous challenge and prepared, in a very challenging environment, the Constitution for India, which has stood the test of time.
–As we mark the 75th year of our Constitution, it is time to reaffirm our commitment to build India, that is Bharat, that shall uphold the spirit enshrined in this sacred document.
–Now India’s experience has shown that our Constitution remains robust, yielding to several amendments which were the need of the hour. In the last seven decades our Constitution has faced many amendments.
Atalji first to suggest to get going with GST
–The GST related constitutional provisions, which were never encouraged prior to its bringing forward by Prime Minister Modi in 2017.
–During the NDA rule in 2000, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first to suggest, to get going with the GST. However, the sincere efforts that he made could not realize at that time and the ten years after his tenure, led by the UPA, did not do much to get it on board.
–Within two years, after the introduction of the GST in the Parliament, the GST-related 101st Constitutional Amendment Act was passed and ratified by more than 15 States.
–When the GST was brought in, all MPs present had voted for the GST. But, Despite the support given by the Congress in passing the GST Constitutional Amendment, Prominent Congress leader continues to criticize GST.
Immense contribution of women
–The contribution of these women in the Constitution making is immense.
It is very interesting that in this new Parliament House the first Act that we passed is the Women Reservation Act.
–I would like to reiterate that my party has always been committed for women and women’s participation in politics.
–In 1998, BJP reiterated its commitment for women reservation by introducing a Bill in the Lok Sabha. In 2008, BJP amended its Constitution, so that its own office bearers will have 33 per cent reservation for women.
–I am glad to say that I am one of the beneficiaries of that reservation.
–BJP’s Sankalp Patras of 2014 and 2019 election also very clearly supported it.
–But I want to highlight the fact that in 1984-89, Shri Rajiv Gandhi had 426 Members in the Lok Sabha and 159 Members in the Rajya Sabha. But they did not have the conviction to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill at that time.
–Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji in 1998, in 1999, in 2002 and in 2003 brought this Bill. The Congress didn’t support any of the Bills.
–Then in 2008, even Dr. Manmohan Singh faltered. They managed to pass it in Rajya Sabha but did not go to the Lok Sabha for fear of their alliance partners.
–Whereas, PM Modi and BJP, from the beginning, stood by women.
–Therefore, if anybody is committed to the Constitution, it is the BJP, PM Modi and this Government.