Q. Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over? (UPSC Prelims 2024)
Answer:
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Notes: The correct answer is
[D] Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha. The Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with framing the Constitution of India, followed specific parliamentary traditions during its initial meetings.
- Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha (Correct): On December 9, 1946, the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held. Following the French practice of appointing the oldest member as the temporary Chairman, Dr. Sinha was elected as the Provisional President.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad: On December 11, 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Assembly. H.C. Mukherjee and V.T. Krishnamachari were later elected as the Vice-Presidents.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Incorrect): While a pivotal figure, Dr. Ambedkar served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, which was appointed on August 29, 1947.
- C. Rajagopalachari (Incorrect): He was a prominent member of the Assembly and later became the last Governor-General of India, but he did not hold the post of Provisional President.
- T.T. Krishnamachari (Incorrect): He was a member of the Drafting Committee and served as a Union Minister later, but was not the temporary head of the Assembly.
Historical Timeline:- Dec 9, 1946: First meeting; Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha presided.
- Dec 11, 1946: Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected Permanent President.
- Dec 13, 1946: Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic 'Objectives Resolution'.