THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION 103
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY, FEB. 26,1948 135
In addition, in view of the present abnormal circumstances which require Central control over essential supplies, the Committee has provided that for a term of five years from the commencement of the Constitution, trade and commerce in, and the production, supply and distribution of, certain essential commodities as also the relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons shall be on the same footing as Concurrent List subjects. In adopting this course, the Committee has followed the provisions of the India (Central Government and Legislature) Act, 1946.
Articles 247 15. Financial provisions.—Broadly speaking, the to 269. Drafting Committee has incorporated in the Draft the recommendations of the Expert Finance Committee, except those relating to the distribution of revenues between the Centre and the States. In view of the unstable conditions which at present prevail in this field, the Drafting Committee has thought it best to retain the status quo in the matter of distribution of revenues for a period of five years, at the end of which a Finance Commission may review the situation.
Articles 281 16. Services.—The Committee has refrained from to 283. inserting in the Constitution, any detailed provisions relating to the Services; the Committee considers that they should be regulated by Acts of the appropriate Legislature rather than by constitutional provisions, as the Committee feels that the future Legislatures in this country, as in other countries. may be trusted to deal fairly with the Services.
Articles 289 17. Elections, Franchise, etc.—The Committee to 291. has not thought it necessary to incorporate in the Constitution electoral details including the delimitation of constituencies. These have been left to be provided by auxiliary legislation.
Article 304. 18. Amendment of the Constitution.—The Committee has inserted a provision giving a limited constituent power to the State Legislatures in respect of certain defined matters.
Articles 292, 19. Safeguards for Minorities.—The Draft
294 and 305. embodies the decisions of the Constituent Assembly and of the Advisory Committee in respect of the