TLDR;
This YouTube video by Utkarsh Classes provides a comprehensive overview of significant constitutional amendments in India. It begins by outlining the basics of constitutional amendments, including the relevant part and article of the constitution, and the source from which it was derived. The video then proceeds to discuss various amendments chronologically, explaining their key provisions and impacts on Indian law and society.
- Constitutional amendments are covered under Part 20, Article 368, derived from the South African constitution.
- A bill becomes an act after being passed by Parliament and signed by the President.
- The video covers amendments from the First Amendment in 1951 to the 106th Amendment, also touching upon the 129th Bill.
Introduction to Constitutional Amendments [0:01]
The video starts with a welcome and introduces the topic of discussion as constitutional amendments in India. It is mentioned that the constitutional amendment process is detailed in Part 20 of the Indian Constitution, which has been adopted from the South African constitution. Article 368 deals with the procedure of amendments. As of now, 106 amendments have been enacted, and recently, the 129th amendment bill, concerning "One Nation, One Election", was introduced.
Early Amendments: 1st, 7th, 21st, and 26th [1:42]
The discussion begins with the First Amendment in 1951, which added the Ninth Schedule to the constitution, related to land reforms. The Seventh Amendment in 1956 is associated with the reorganisation of states. The Twenty-First Amendment in 1967 added Sindhi as the 15th language to the Eighth Schedule of the constitution. The Twenty-Sixth Amendment in 1971, during Indira Gandhi's tenure, abolished the privy purses paid to former rulers.
Amendments in the 1970s: 36th, 42nd, and 44th [3:35]
The Thirty-Sixth Amendment in 1975 granted full statehood to Sikkim. The Forty-Second Amendment in 1976, often called the "Mini Constitution," brought significant changes, including amendments to the Preamble by adding the words 'Socialist,' 'Secular,' and 'Integrity.' It also added Part 4A, concerning Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee. Furthermore, it introduced Article 39A for free legal aid and Article 48A related to environmental and wildlife protection. This amendment also transferred subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, such as education, forests, wildlife, weights and measures, and judicial administration.
The Forty-Fourth Amendment in 1978 removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a legal right under Article 300A.
Amendments in the 1980s and 1990s: 52nd, 61st, 69th, 70th and 71st [7:27]
The Fifty-Second Amendment in 1985 added the Tenth Schedule to prevent defection, also known as the Anti-Defection Law, during Rajiv Gandhi's premiership. The Sixty-First Amendment in 1989 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, also under Rajiv Gandhi. The Sixty-Ninth Amendment in 1991 related to Delhi, designating it as the National Capital Territory (NCT) under Article 239AA, limiting the number of ministers to 10% in Delhi.
The Seventieth Amendment in 1992 allowed elected members of the Delhi and Puducherry legislative assemblies to participate in presidential elections. The Seventy-First Amendment in 1992 added three new languages—Nepali, Manipuri, and Konkani—to the Eighth Schedule, bringing the total number of languages to 18.
Amendments Related to Local Governance: 73rd and 74th [10:19]
The Seventy-Third Amendment in 1992 (enforced on April 24, 1993) added Part 9 to the constitution, concerning Panchayati Raj, with Articles 243 to 243O, and the Eleventh Schedule, comprising 29 subjects related to rural local government. The Seventy-Fourth Amendment pertains to urban local bodies, adding Part 9A and the Twelfth Schedule.
Amendments in the Early 2000s: 86th, 89th, 91st and 92nd [11:34]
The Eighty-Sixth Amendment in 2002 added Article 21A, making the right to education a fundamental right. It also added the 11th fundamental duty under Article 51A(k). The Eighty-Ninth Amendment in 2003 led to the creation of Article 338A, establishing the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The Ninety-First Amendment in 2003 fixed the size of the Council of Ministers, limiting it to 15% of the total members of the Lok Sabha at the Centre and the Legislative Assembly in the states.
The Ninety-Second Amendment in 2003 added four new languages—Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali—to the Eighth Schedule, increasing the total number of languages to 22.
Amendments in the 2010s: 97th, 99th, 100th, 101st, 103rd, 104th and 105th [13:57]
The Ninety-Seventh Amendment in 2011 added Part 9B, related to cooperative societies, and introduced Article 43B. The Ninety-Ninth Amendment in 2014 established the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), but it was later struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. The Hundredth Amendment in 2015 involved the exchange of territories with Bangladesh through the Three Bigha Corridor Agreement.
The One Hundred and First Amendment is related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The One Hundred and Third Amendment in 2019 provided 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), introducing Articles 15(6) and 16(6). The One Hundred and Fourth Amendment extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for another 10 years, while also removing the reserved seats for Anglo-Indians.
The One Hundred and Fifth Amendment clarified that states have the power to determine which castes are included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, under Article 338B, which was introduced by the 102nd Amendment that established the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
Recent Amendment and Bill: 106th and 129th [19:20]
The One Hundred and Sixth Amendment, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, concerns women's reservation in legislative bodies, though its implementation will follow delimitation after the census. The video also mentions the recent 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which is related to "One Nation, One Election," based on the Ram Nath Kovind Committee's recommendations. The presenter concludes the discussion on constitutional amendments and transitions to a current affairs segment.
Current Affairs: Prihar Temple, China's Solar Plant, and ASEAN Tourism [26:41]
The presenter shifts to current affairs, starting with the Prihar Temple located in Cambodia near the Thailand border, which has been damaged due to ongoing conflicts. India is involved in its preservation and has called for peaceful resolutions. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was initiated by King Yashovarman I. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The discussion also touches upon the Angkor Wat temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built by the Khmer dynasty under Suryavarman.
Other news includes China launching the world's first dual-tower solar thermal power plant in the Gobi Desert, Patrick Hermannie being elected as the new President of Seychelles, and the ASEAN-India Tourism Exchange Programme 2025 being held in Guwahati, Assam, to promote tourism.
Wetland Conservation and Ramser Sites [38:15]
The discussion moves to wetland conservation and Ramser sites. The presenter explains that Ramser sites are designated for the conservation of wetlands, with the concept originating from the Ramser Convention in Iran in 1971. Wetlands are ecotones between grass and water areas. India now has 96 Ramser sites, as announced by Environment Minister Dr. Bhupender Yadav. The latest additions include Kopra Reservoir in Chhattisgarh (the state's first) and Silisedh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan.
Economic and Energy Sector Updates [44:36]
The central cabinet has approved 100% FDI in the insurance sector, up from 74%, to increase investment and competition. The presenter also mentions the "Shanti Bill," which aims to promote the sustainable use of nuclear energy.
Power Museum and Other National Updates [50:13]
Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station in Patna, Bihar, will be converted into India's first power museum. The station was established in 1930 but closed in 1984 due to pollution. Bihar has 243 assembly seats and 75 legislative council seats. Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister for the 10th time.
Global and Sports News [54:31]
The discussion includes updates on various global and sports events. The presenter mentions that the 2025 Urban Development Year has been declared by Gujarat, which is also the year for quantum technology and cooperation. A reception was held in London to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India.
Energy Conservation Awards and Naxalism [1:00:47]
The National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 were presented, with Karnataka topping Group 1, Andhra Pradesh in Group 2, Kerala in Group 3, Assam in the Northeast, and Chandigarh among Union Territories. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared the state free from Naxalism following the surrender of Naxalites in Balaghat.
Investment and Squas World Cup [1:08:36]
Brookfield will invest $1 billion in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to build Asia's largest Global Capability Centre (GCC), creating 3,000 jobs by 2029. India won the Squas World Cup 2025, held in Chennai, defeating Hong Kong. This is India's first win, making it the first Asian country to achieve this feat. The Indian team included Anahat Singh, Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh, and Santhal Kumar.
Stadium Stands and Upcoming Events [1:15:55]
Cricket stadium stands will be named after Harmanpreet Kaur and Yuvraj Singh in Mullanpur, Punjab. Additionally, a stand will be named after Richa Ghosh in Darjeeling, West Bengal, and Jhulan Goswami at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The presenter announces upcoming special classes, including a sports static portion class and an awards static portion class. He also mentions a year-end current affairs marathon on December 31st.
