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V.V. Giri was elected as a President in 1969.

In India Election Commission classifies parties as ‘State’ or ‘National’ and allots symbols to them.

Majority System is used in India for presidential elections.

After the death of President Zakir Hussain, the post of the President of India fell vacant. The ‘syndicate’ managed to nominate the then speaker of the Lok Sabha, N. Sanjeeva Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for the Presidential elections. Indira Gandhi retaliated by encouraging the then Vice-President, V. V. Giri, to file his nomination as an independent candidate. The then Congress President S. Nijalingappa issued a ‘whip’ asking all the Congress MPs and MLAs to vote in favor of Sanjeeva Reddy, the official candidate of the party. Supporters of Indira Gandhi requisitioned a special meeting of the AICC but this was refused. After silently supporting V. V. Giri, the Prime Minister openly called for a ‘conscience vote’, that meant that MPs and MLAs from the Congress should be free to vote the way they want. The election ultimately resulted in the victory of V. V. Giri, the independent candidate, and the defeat of Sanjeeva Reddy, the official Congress candidate.

The first general elections was held in the year 1951-52 in India.

The fourth general elections to the Lok Sabha and State assemblies were held in February 1967. These election results were declared as a ‘political earthquake’. Congress did manage to get majority in the Lok Sabha but half the ministers in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet were defeated. The political stalwarts, who lost in their constituencies included K. Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu, S. K. Patil in Maharashtra, Atulya Ghosh in West Bengal and K.B. Sahay in Bihar. Congress lost majority in seven states. In two other states, defections prevented it from forming a government. This was the first time any non-Congress party had secured a majority of its own in any state. The elections of 1967 brought into picture the phenomenon of coalitions as no single party had gotten majority and various non-congress parties came together to support non-Congress government.

Several ideas of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, have been included in the Directive Principles. Some of them are mentioned below.

• Organization of Grama Panchayaths.
• Promotion of cottage industries
• Prohibiting of intoxicating substances.

As the name indicates, all these are directions. These are the directives to the state, which are to be considered while formulating policies and implementing plans.

Acharya Krupalani and K.M. Munshi are two members of the Indian constituent assembly.

The constitution of free India was framed by the Constituent Assembly.

Our constitution guarantees 6 valuable freedoms to the citizens of India.

1. The freedom of speech and expression. 

2. To assemble peacefully without arms. 

3. To form associations or unions. 

4. To move freely across the length and breadth of the country. 

5. To reside or settle down in any part of India. 

6. To carry on any lawful trade or occupation.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution are: The constitution of India came into force on 26^th January, 1950. The preamble enumerates the source, the nature and high aims and ideals of the constitution. The preamble cannot be enforced in a court of law it is a grand declaration.

The following are the salient features of the constitution of India:

1.Detailed and Written Constitution: The constitution of India is a comprehensive document. It is detailed and lengthy constitution in the world. It consists of 445 Articles, 22 parts, 12 schedules, and 100 Amendments. The bulk of the constitution is due to many reasons. Such as :

• It contains the broad principles and details of administration. 
• The constitution provides for the administrative machinery at the centre and also in the States. 
• Incorporation of Fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy. 
• Special provision for safeguarding the interest of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, 
• UPSC and SPSC and Election Commission, Independent Judiciary,

2. Sovereign, Democratic, Republic: The constitution of India is Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic.

• India is a sovereign state and it is subject to no other authority either in her internal affairs or external relations. Its power is absolute internally and externally within its sphere. 
• 42 Amendment Act of 1976 declares India to be a socialist state. 
• Preamble to the constitution declares that India is a sovereign democratic Republic. The President of India is elected and his term of office is five years.
• Official languages and regional languages etc. have been dealt with in the constitution.

3.Single Citizenship: The constitution of India has established a single and uniform citizenship for the whole of the country. Single citizenship implies that all Indian citizens owe allegiance to the Indian Union. Any citizen, irrespective of his birth or residence, is entitled to enjoy civil and political rights throughout India In all states and Union Territories.

4.Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Indian constitution embodies six fundamental Rights, which are guaranteed to the people of India. These rights are sacred and sacrosanct and cannot be violated. The constitution makes the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the guardian of rights and liberties of the people. However they are not absolute. The constitution imposes necessary limitations and the rights can be suspended under conditions of grave emergency.

• Right to Equality. 
• Right to Freedom. 
• Right against Exploitation. 
• Right to Religion. 
• Cultural and Educational Rights. 
• Right to constitutional Remedies.

5. Fundamental Duties: The 42^nd Amendment Act of 1976 has incorporated ten duties for even Indian citizen.

• To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, the flag, and the National Anthem. 
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspire our national struggle for freedom. 
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty; unity and integrity of India. 
• To defend the country and render national services when called upon to do so.
• To promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India. 
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. 
• To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. 
• To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the script of inquiry and reform. 
• To safeguard public property and to adjure violence, 
• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collection activity.

6.Secular and Socialist State: At the time of drafting the constitution, the framers did not have the vision to mention these words in the preamble of the constitution. But these words were added in the preamble by the 42^nd Amendment Act of 1976. Accordingly, India is a secular and non-religious in character. In fact, it does not identify itself with any religion. India is neither religious, nor irreligious, nor antireligious but it is detached from the religious dogmas and activities. The aim of the constitution is too make India a socialist state on the basis of welfare programs.

7. Backward Classes and Minorities: The constitution protects the interest of the backward class and the Minorities.

8. Official language: Hindi. is laid as the official language of India. A common official language symbolized the unity of the country.

9. Directive Principles of State Policy: It is another important feature of the Indian constitution. It contains various aims and aspirations to fulfilled by the state. They are instruments of instructions to the government to follow specific polices.

10.Parliamentary System of Government: The Indian constitution proposed a parliamentary system of government for India.

11. Federation with strong centre: The constitution has laid down a federal form of government; with a Union of the states. The Union is more powerful than the states.

12. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary under the constitution is made independent of the legislature and the executive. It protects the fundamental rights and safeguards the provisions of the constitution. In fact, it is the guardian of the constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights.

13. Judicial review: The Supreme Court of India has the power of judicial review. It can declare laws enacted by the parliament and state legislatures and orders passed by the executive as invalid if found contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

14. Election Commission: The constitution provides for the establishment of Election Commission for the whole country. It conducts free and fair elections of the president, vice-president, members of parliament and state legislatures from time to time. It consists of one chief Election commissioner and two other Election commissioners who are appointed by the president of India for the period of 6 years.

15. Rigidity and flexibility: There is a unique procedure of constitutional amendment. Article 368 of the constitution deals with the amendment procedure:

(a) By simple majority: The creation of new states, creation or abolition of the legislative council, etc. These can be amended by a simple majority in both the houses of the union parliament.

(b) By half – simple and half-rigid method: The provisions such as citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive principles, etc., shall be amended by 2/3 majority of members present and voting in both houses of the parliament.

(c) By Rigid Method: The method of amending the constitution involves rigid procedure. Matters relating to the election and powers of the president and powers of the Union and State government. Union judiciary, establishment of High Court, division of legislative powers, representation of states in Union Parliament, etc., can be amended by 2/3 majority members of both houses of the Union parliament and has to be ratified by not less than half of the state legislature.

16. Adult.Franchise: Every person who is a citizen of India and who are above 18 years of age irrespective, gender is entitled to be registered as a voter.

17. Emergency provisions: the constitution of India envisages three types of emergencies. which the president may proclaim in different critical situations. Such as:

(a) National Emergency: Article 352 provides national emergency. If the president is satisfied that the security of India or any part thereof is threatened by war, or external aggression or internal disturbance, he may issue a proclamation of emergency. But it must be laid before each house of parliament for approval.

(b) Failure of constitutional machinery in the state: The president on the receipt of report from the Governor of a state if satisfied, that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, he can proclaim state emergency. It is to be approved by each House of parliament within two months. But normally it remains for six months and can be continued for three years.

(c) Financial Emergency: The president of India is satisfied that the financial stability of India is any part thereof is threatened he may proclaim financial emergency . It expires at the end of two months unless it is approved by the parliament.

18. Local self-Governments: A constitutional statue was given to local self-governments in accordance with the 73^rd and 74^th constitutional amendments which were made in the year 1992 and came into force in 1993.

The drafting committee of the Indian constitution has been formed on 29^th August 1947 and B.R. Ambedkar was elected as a chairman. The main responsibility that entrusted to the drafting committee to draft the new constitution. It consists of 7 members called B.R. Ambedkar, chairman, B.L. Mitter, N: Gopalaswamy Ayvangar, Alladi KrishswamyAyyar, Dr. K.M Munshi, Saiyid Mohd Saadullah, D.R Khaitan.

The drafting committee prepared the first draft which was published in February 1948. It prepared a second draft which was published in October 1948 and completed its work in 141 days. On 29^th November 1949, the constituent assembly accepts and enacted the Indian constitution.

It was set up under the 1946, cabinet mission plan. The assembly consisted of representatives of all important communities. The constituent assembly met on 11^th December 1946. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was unanimously elected as its president. The constituent assembly initially consisted of 389 members 292 from the British India province and 93 from the states. The elections were held in July 1946.

On 29^th August 1947, the constituent assembly appointed a drafting committee, under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Sixth (6th) five year plan was prepared twice, hence the process of development between April 1, 1979 to March 1980 period is called Transitional Planning.

(d) Maharashtra

(b) April 01, 1969 to March 31, 1974

Planning involves doing the preparation, making the road map and making arrangements, for execution of development programmes.

(a) P.C Mahalanobis

(b) Fifth five year plan

The main objective of fifth (5th) five – year plan was poverty elimination and self dependence.

(b) Price increases

The two main forms of planning are the following:

1. Sectoral planning 

2. Regional Planning

The amount of money provided for Prime Minister’s Special Action Plan was ₹ 21,946 crore.

The three main steps involved in planning are the following: 

1. Preparation 

2. Making the road map. 

3. Execution.

To do the planning for different sectors of economy like agriculture, industry, commerce, etc and the execution of these plans is called Sectoral Planning.

Following were the two weaknesses of 7th (seventh) five year plan: 

1. Due to the failure of financial system, there was an increase in inflation. 

2. Due to increase in World Bank borrowings, India got trapped in debt.

An oath to directly address problem of poverty, unemployment, and regional disparities was taken in 7th (seventh) five – year plan.

Decentralization of economic power, poverty eradication, achievement of social justice and financial equality were the goals of Eighth (8th) five – year plan.

The proposed expenditure of 7th (seventh) five-year plan was RS 3,48,148 crore.

It is a spatial development planning oriented to planning of a given area. In this, specific planning is done for using and developing resources of a certain terrain for the benefit of the whole country.

In single – level planning, all decisions are made at the National level and lower territorial levels are used at the time of implementation.

The two main objectives of 4th (forth) five – year plan were: 

1. Stability of economic development. 

2. Achievement of self dependence

The two setbacks of 4th (fourth) five year plan were as follows: 

1. The plan failed to achieve its objectives/goals. 

2. There was an increase in unemployment in the country.

Following were the three priorities of Prime Minister’s Special Action Plan (SAP): 

1. Reforms in food grains and agriculture. 

2. Development in information technology. 

3. Drinking water supply.

Correct Answer is : (b) 8.1%

Regional Planning is of two types:

1. Single – level planning. 

2. Multi – level planning.

(d) Social Services

The provision of outlay for public sector was kept at Rs 15,902 crore.

Due to discontinuation of regular planning, the period between 1966 – 69 is called Plan Holiday.

Following were the problems faced by the nation during first five – year plan: 

1. Stagnant economy due to Second World War and partition of the nation. 

2. Increasing number of refugees. 

3. Increase in inflation. 

4. Food shortage, etc.

Duration – 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2007.

 Objectives and Aims:

1. Development rate was targeted at as 8%. 

2. Poverty ratio to be brought down to 19.34%. 

3. Providing fruitful employment to the labour force. 

4. To make primary education universal. 

5. To reduce the population growth rate to 16.2%. 

6. To achieve literacy percentage of 75%. 

7. To reduce infant mortality and maternal mortality rate. 

8. To provide drinking water facility to almost all villages by 2012. 

9. To make all the rivers pollution-free.

Priorities: In 10th five – year plan, the topmost priority was given to energy. 

Apart from this, the list of priorities are given below:

1. Social welfare services (22.8%). 

2. 20.1% expenditure on agricultural and financial activities. 

3. To emphasize on balanced development. 

4. Improvement of e-governance, creating healthy environment for investors by reducing the barriers in internal trade and to make panchayats strong in terms of financial and economic perspective. 

5. To emphasize on asset development program for eradication of poverty. In 10^th five – year plan, the total expected social expenditure was Rs. 15,92,3000.00 crore, however the actual expenditure done was to Rs. 15,25,630.00 crore.

Result and Possibilities: The 10^th five – year plan focused on social welfare programs, improvement in standard of living, sufficient food availability, education, health, drinking water facility, cleanliness, etc. The perspective of planning seemed to be bonafide, visionary, and transformational.

Evaluation of development in agriculture, biotechnology and health, increase in public investment, improved policies for financial instruments for center and states, to remove regional dissimilarity and backwardness was done in the mid-term evaluation of 10^th five – year plan.

Following are the two priorities of 9th (Ninth) five – year plan: 

1. Energy 

2. Social Service.

Rapid and inclusive development.

The provision for third (3rd) five year plan was ₹ 7500 crore, however the actual expenditure was ₹ 8577 crore.

The 10th (tenth) five year plan emphasized on the improvement in e – governance, creation of right environment for investors, eliminating hurdles in internal business and making panchyats strong in terms of financial and political perspective.

(c) Third five year plan

(b) 2nd five year plan

The main goal of third (3rd) five – year plan was to establish a self – dependent and self – sustaining economy.