Constituent Assembly Debate on Untouchability was one of the major debates in the Constituent Assembly of India. It eventually led to the introduction of Article 17 to the Constitution of India. Here we will discuss the Constituent Assembly Debate on Untouchability, which will be useful for UPSC CSE GS II preparation.

Constituent Assembly Debate on Untouchability

• Untouchability on the basis of religion or caste was intended to be abolished by the Constitution's framers.
• "Untouchables" was defined as a collection of enumerated (Hindu) castes in the Government of India Act of 1935. However, there was no such qualification in Article 17 ( Draft Article 11) of the Constitution.
• Indeed, numerous members of the Assembly drew attention to the broad, even ambiguous nature of the term "untouchability" at various phases of the drafting process. They demanded that untouchability based on religion or caste be outlawed completely.
• On November 29, 1948, the Constituent Assembly began debating Draft Article 11 (Article 17).
• Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad proposed an amendment that reads, "That the following article be substituted for article 11." No one shall be treated or regarded as an "untouchable" because of his or her religion or caste, and its observance in any form may be made punishable by law."
• Because the term "untouchability" has no legal definition, he proposed the aforementioned change.
• He stressed that the term "untouchability" is used to describe a wide range of things, not just human people.
• Because the framers were not interested in substituting the aforesaid features, the amendment was rejected.
• Untouchability was to be abolished, according to Mr. Muniswamy Pillai. He demanded that the removal of untouchability be enshrined in the Draft Constitution's Article 11.
• Untouchability's abolition, according to Dr. Mono Mohan Das, was an important fundamental right.
  • At the same time, he noted that minorities should not be granted any particular benefits or protections.
  • According to him, the purpose of the aforementioned Article was to protect the majority of people from humiliation and dishonor.
  • In contrast to other countries, he wanted Untouchability to be made a criminal offense under the Constitution. "I do not want to be reborn, but if I am, I hope to be born as a Harijan, as an untouchable, so that I may lead a continuous struggle, a lifelong war against the oppression and indignities that have been inflicted upon these kinds of people," he said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi.
• Mr. Santanu Kumar Das advocated that social disparity be eliminated. He requested that legislation be enacted in this direction.
• Professor K.T. Shah asserted that the Constitution makes no provision for defining untouchability. As a result, the question of what defines Untouchability emerged.
  • He predicted that future confusion about the word Untouchability could arise.
  • He proposed making changes, such as changing the phrase "Untouchability" to something else.
  • He claimed that if a person is disabled for an extended period of time, he is viewed as untouchable.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar did not accept his recommendation. Following that, the motion concerning Article 11 was passed, and it was incorporated into the Constitution.

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and other important reformers were praised by the framers, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar declared his complete belief in the abolition of untouchability. They requested that the purported social disparity be completely abolished and that all forms of untouchability be made illegal. Thus, finally, it was brought into the Constitution as Fundamental Right through Article 17.

FAQs

Question. What was the Constituent Assembly's position on untouchability?

Question. What did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar say about untouchability in the Constituent Assembly?

Question. How did the Constituent Assembly address the issue of untouchability in the Indian Constitution?

Question. What were the main concerns raised during the debate on untouchability in the Constituent Assembly?

Question. Why was the debate on untouchability important for the Constituent Assembly?

MCQs

1. What does Article 17 of the Indian Constitution address?

a) Fundamental rights

b) Abolition of untouchability

c) Right to property

d) Right to freedom of speech

2. Who played a key role in advocating for the abolition of untouchability during the Constituent Assembly debates?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru

b) Mahatma Gandhi

c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

3. What was one concern raised during the Constituent Assembly debate on untouchability?

a) Whether untouchability would be a constitutional offense

b) Whether the practice could be immediately abolished

c) Whether the caste system was beneficial for society

d) Whether social reform would be enough

4. What impact did the debate on untouchability have on the Indian Constitution?

a) It led to the creation of affirmative action laws

b) It led to the legal protection of untouchability

c) It resulted in no change in social policies

d) It removed caste-based reservations

5. Why was the abolition of untouchability a central issue during the framing of the Indian Constitution?

a) It was an issue of economic equality

b) It was a legal and social injustice that affected millions of people

c) It was related to political control

d) It was part of the land reforms

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the significance of the debate on untouchability in the Constituent Assembly in shaping the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The debate on untouchability in the Constituent Assembly was pivotal in shaping the Indian Constitution, as it addressed one of the most significant social evils of Indian society. Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the debate emphasized the need for legal measures to abolish untouchability and ensure equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their caste. The outcome of this debate was the inclusion of Article 17, which prohibits untouchability and makes its practice a punishable offense. This landmark provision laid the foundation for further affirmative action policies, including reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, aiming to uplift historically marginalized communities. The debate was a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and just society.

Q2: Analyze Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution to the Constituent Assembly debates on untouchability and its significance for Indian society.

Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contribution to the Constituent Assembly debates on untouchability was instrumental in ensuring the abolition of untouchability in the Indian Constitution. As a champion of social justice, he highlighted the deep-rooted social, economic, and political discrimination faced by untouchables and argued for strong legal measures to eradicate the practice. His vision for an inclusive India led to the inclusion of Article 17, which legally abolished untouchability and made its practice a punishable offense. Ambedkar’s advocacy for affirmative action in the form of reservations for marginalized groups was also a key outcome of these debates. His efforts continue to resonate in contemporary Indian society, as they laid the foundation for policies that promote social equality and justice.

Q3: Discuss the role of the Constituent Assembly debates in shaping the social justice provisions in the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The Constituent Assembly debates played a critical role in shaping the social justice provisions in the Indian Constitution. The debate on untouchability was one of the central issues that defined the commitment of the framers of the Constitution to social equality. It led to the inclusion of Article 17, which abolished untouchability, and other provisions like affirmative action and reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. These provisions were aimed at rectifying centuries of social discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. The debates also highlighted the importance of securing the rights of marginalized groups, laying the groundwork for policies that would empower them and provide a platform for their social and economic upliftment.

Previous Year Questions on Constituent Assembly debate on Untouchability

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "Explain the role of the Constituent Assembly in the abolition of untouchability in India."

Answer: The Constituent Assembly played a crucial role in the abolition of untouchability by ensuring that it was legally prohibited through Article 17 of the Indian Constitution. The debates, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, focused on the need to eliminate untouchability and promote social justice for marginalized communities. This provision laid the foundation for affirmative action policies like reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensuring their upliftment and integration into mainstream society.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "How did the debates on untouchability in the Constituent Assembly shape the social justice framework in India?"

Answer: The debates on untouchability in the Constituent Assembly were instrumental in shaping the social justice framework of India. The inclusion of Article 17 abolished untouchability and laid the groundwork for affirmative action policies. The debates highlighted the importance of addressing historical injustices and ensuring that the Constitution provided for the social and economic empowerment of marginalized groups. These discussions contributed to the creation of a legal framework that would combat caste-based discrimination and promote equality for all citizens.