FIRST READING OF THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION
The Constituent Assembly of India met in the Constitution Hall, New Delhi on Thursday the 4th November 1948.
After completing the formalities of presentation of credentials, signing the register and taking the pledge, the President, Hon’ble Dr. Rajendra Prasad addressed the Members to rise in their seats to pay homage and reverence to the Father of the Nation. He described Mahatma Gandhi as one, ‘who breathed life into our dead flesh and bones, who lifted us out of darkness of despondency and despair to the light and sunshine of hope and achievement and who led us from slavery to freedom’.
The Members stood up in silence.
Thereafter, the deaths of Quaid-E-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah, Shri D. P. Khaitan and Shri D. S. Gurung, were also mourned by standing in the seat and observing silence.
At the outset the Assembly discussed the Motion moved by Smt. G. Durgabai from Madras which was the amendment to Constituent Assembly Rules 5-A & 5-B. This was accepted by the House.
Then the President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad rose and addressed the House. He explained what would be the programme of the business. This was followed by discussion.
In the afternoon session, the President called upon Dr. Ambedkar to move his motion. Accordingly, Dr. Ambedkar introduced the Draft Constitution to the Assembly for consideration.
After the Draft Constitution was presented to the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1948, a brief general discussion followed, which is called the first reading of the Constitution. The second reading commenced on 15th November. 1948. In the