Question

"One of the topics most vigorously debated in the Constituent Assembly was the respective rights of the Central and State governments." Analyse the statement with supporting arguments.

Answer 1

One of the topics that generated the most spirited debate in the Constituent Assembly was the relative rights of the Central Government and the States. Jawaharlal Nehru was one of those who promoted a strong central government.

1. The argument for greater power to the provinces provoked a strong reaction in the Assembly. The need for a strong centre has been underlined numerous times since the Constituent Assembly began its sessions.
2. Reminding the members of the riots and violence that was ripping the nation apart, many members had repeatedly stated that the powers of the Centre had to be significantly strengthened to enable it to stop the communal frenzy.
3. One member from the United Provinces, Balakrishna Sharma, reasoned at length that only a strong centre could plan for the country's well-being, mobilise the available economic resources, establish a proper administration, and defend the country against foreign aggression.