UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 83: Polity and Governance
In the following quotation, “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; In our Constituent Assembly this ‘X’ ………. do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.” ‘X’ stands for
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The Preamble ends with the words that the Constituent Assembly adopted, enacted and gave to ourselves this Constitution on the twenty-sixth day of November, 1949. The Constitution was adopted on that date and most of it came into force on 26 January 1950. The words Socialist and Secular were added in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment, but the date line was not changed.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 26 January 1950 is when most of the Constitution came into force, not the date of adoption.
- (b) Right: 26 November 1949.
- (c) 26 January 1949 is not the date of adoption.
- (d) The Preamble does name a date, so none-of-the-above is wrong.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.