Team TrickyScribe: Advocates Association of Patna High Court has made a significant appeal to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan demanding introduction of Constitution as a compulsory subject in the syllabus of Classes IX to XII.
Advocate Chhaya Mishra, Vice President of the Advocates Association, has written a formal letter to the union minister urging the inclusion of the Indian Constitution as a full-fledged subject in school and college curriculums.
The proposal aligns with the nationwide celebrations marking the historic milestone of the Indian Constitution, showcasing its importance not just as a legal document but as a guiding framework for citizens.
Vice President of the Advocates Association, Advocate Chhaya Mishra
Appeal for Curriculum Inclusion
In her letter, she emphasized that while law students study the Constitution in detail, degree and postgraduate students from other faculties often lack even a basic understanding of its principles. She proposed introducing the subject at various educational levels, starting from middle school.
According to Advocate Mishra, students from classes six to eight should be taught the fundamental aspects of the Constitution, such as its articles, directive principles, and fundamental rights. High school students, from classes nine to twelve, could delve deeper into constitutional amendments and the functioning of legislative bodies through textbooks and educational visits.
Importance of Constitutional Literacy
Speaking to The TrickyScribe™, Advocate Mishra explained the rationale behind her appeal. “Recent developments and controversies have tempted me to approach the Union Education Minister. Every citizen has duties along with rights, and awareness of these is essential to prevent social injustices,” she said.
She cited a tragic incident involving a Bangalore-based techie who left behind a 24-page suicide note detailing the dark side of legal disputes. “If we teach our students the Constitution, they will be empowered to fight against social injustice. It’s time to embrace the mantra ‘Padenge to Ladenge’ (Learn to Fight),” Mishra added.
A Nationwide Need for Civic Education
India’s Constitution, the longest written constitution in the world, lays down the framework for the country’s democratic governance and guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens. The lack of constitutional awareness among the general population, however, often leads to misunderstandings, neglect of civic duties, and social injustices.
The Advocates Association believes that introducing constitutional education at an early stage will not only create more informed citizens but also inspire students to actively participate in the democratic process and understand the importance of their rights and duties.
The Way Forward
Advocate Mishra’s appeal calls for immediate action, requesting the Education Ministry to incorporate the subject into the curriculum by the New Year. Advocating for a structured syllabus, she proposed the inclusion of textbooks on constitutional literacy and educational trips to parliamentary institutions for experiential learning.
As India progresses as a vibrant democracy, this move could potentially bridge the gap between citizens and the legal framework that governs them. The introduction of constitutional studies in schools and colleges would not only enhance civic knowledge but also instill values of justice, equality, and fraternity among future generations.
With the growing significance of civic awareness in addressing societal issues, the Advocates Association’s proposal holds the potential to bring about a transformative change in the education system and the nation at large.
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