It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (UPSC 2015)

The Government of India Act, 1935 provided the Constituent Assembly a ready administrative and constitutional framework, saving time and effort in drafting.

• Structural base: Nearly 60% of the Constitution drew on it: the federal scheme, three legislative lists, provincial autonomy, Supreme Court, Public Service Commissions and CAG.
• Emergency and governance: Provisions on Emergency and Governor’s/President’s rule were adapted from its methods of central control.
• Practical experience: Provincial autonomy after 1937 trained Indian leaders in cabinet government, finance and legislation.
• Continuity: The 1947 Independence Act continued the 1935 framework till the new Constitution was enacted.

However, the Assembly went far beyond imitation by replacing colonial rule with democracy, universal adult franchise, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, cabinet responsibility and parliamentary sovereignty.