Consider the following quote : "On the 26th January, 1950, we are going to enter a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality." To whom among the following leaders is this quote attributed?
- A.Mahatma Gandhi
- B.Sarojini Naidu
- C.B. R. Ambedkar
- D.Somnath Lahiri
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, B. R. Ambedkar. He spoke these words in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly on 25 November 1949.
Dr B. R. Ambedkar, chairman of the Drafting Committee, closed the debates on the draft Constitution with a speech warning about the gap between political and social democracy. He said that in politics India would follow the principle of one man, one vote and one value, but in social and economic life it would go on denying equal value to every person. He warned that if this contradiction lasted too long, those who suffered inequality would blow up the structure of political democracy. In the same speech he cautioned against hero-worship in politics and against the grammar of anarchy.
A is wrong because Mahatma Gandhi was not a member of the Constituent Assembly and had died in 1948. B is wrong because Sarojini Naidu, though a member, did not make this speech. D is wrong because Somnath Lahiri, the Communist member from Bengal, is known for criticising the Fundamental Rights, not for this speech.
Exam tip: Ambedkar, 25 November 1949: life of contradictions, warning on hero-worship and the grammar of anarchy.
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India?
- A.Inter-State trade and commerce is a State subject under the State List.
- B.Inter-State migration is a State subject under the State List.
- C.Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List.
- D.Corporation tax is a State subject under the State List.
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Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject, listed with inter-State migration in entry 81 of the Union List. The Seventh Schedule divides legislative subjects into the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.
Read the full explanation →With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
- A.The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
- B.The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
- C.In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
- D.State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
Show answer
Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court, so the statement means that ordinary laws made by Parliament cannot limit the Court's power under it.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India?
1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution.
2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution.
3. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution.
Select the answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
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All three statements match the Parts of the Constitution correctly. Part IX A, Articles 243P to 243ZG, was added by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992 and deals with the Municipalities, including their powers and functions under Article 243W and the Twelfth Schedule.
Read the full explanation →Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?
- A.Third Schedule
- B.Fifth Schedule
- C.Ninth Schedule
- D.Twelfth Schedule
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The Fifth Schedule governs the administration of Scheduled Areas and allows the Governor to stop the transfer of tribal land.
Read the full explanation →The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages?
1. Konkani
2. Manipuri
3. Nepali
4. Maithili
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3
- B.1, 2 and 4
- C.1, 3 and 4
- D.2, 3 and 4
Show answer
The 71st Amendment of 1992 added Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali to the Eighth Schedule. The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognised by the Constitution.
Read the full explanation →