Page 92 - Constitution

70 Years of Indian Years of Indian

Constitution
Constitution

The imbalances between rural and urban
n the land of diversity, the Constitution of India, in all its
majesty, proved to be the wrap and weft of the social fabric areas need to be addressed. This may
of the largest democracy in the world. Being the proud heirs
Iof a rich legacy, the transition of events towards a better bring changes in the basic needs of the
poor village people in India, who form part
democracy, within the framework of the Constitution, leaves
much to be pondered. of more than 70 percent of our population.
Seventy years have elapsed after the adoption of our
Constitution. In my vision of India, there should be a “Welfare
India to protect and improve the natural environment, including
State”, which works for the poorest of the poor, disabled,
forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for
marginalized, and the downtrodden. The soul and future of
the living creatures.
India lies in its villages.
Article 48-A of the Constitution of India stipulates that, State
Upliftment of the living conditions of the people in rural areas
shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment, and
to that of urban areas is the prime factor in the building of our
to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
nation. The imbalances between rural and urban areas need
In India, farmers consist of more than70 percent of our
to be addressed. This may bring changes in the basic needs
population. On the path of a developed nation, agriculture
of the poor village people in India, who form part of more than
must receive the priority attention, which it deserves. Public
70 percent of our population.
and private investments in agriculture have to be increased.
The rapid increase in urbanization has contributed to
Agricultural research, training and extension also require
the increased urban pollution, crime, absence of required
greater attention. By increasing the standard of living of
infrastructure, lack of adequate roads, public spaces, parks
our farmers, we would be marching towards our goal of a
and greenery etc., making the life in urban India, difficult.
“developed nation”.
Eradication of poverty is a matter of great concern. As of
Lakhs of well-educated youth are in search of a job for their
2011, approximately 21.9 percent of India's population lived
livelihood. The alarming rate of unemployment in the country
below poverty line. Poverty also begets child labour. Father of
clearly points to the fact that we are in dire need of factories
our Nation, Gandhiji, said that his mission in life was “to wipe
and industries in every State, which can prove to be a source
every tear from every eye”. Think of the poorest person you
of employment to the qualified persons in many branches of
have ever seen, Gandhiji said “Ask if your next act will be of
study.
any use to him”.
In my view, there should be sector-wise leap in the industrial
Another area of concern is our country's environmental
sector, in order to properly address the unemployment issue
issues. Its the second largest population in the world, we are
and thereby accelerate the economic growth of our country.
facing water, air and soil pollution. By virtue of Article 51A (g) of
As regards to energy, being a region in the sunny tropical
the Constitution of India, it shall be the duty of every citizen of
belt, India could greatly benefit from a renewable energy trend,

92 70 Years of Indian Constitution