Q.12 Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (UPSC CSE 2025, GS PAPER-1) (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)

THE INTRODUCTION:

India’s early phase of independence was a period of immense challenge and transformative change, marked by the urgent need to consolidate a fragmented nation. The consolidation process touched upon all aspects of national life, from its political structure to its economic and social fabric and laid the foundation for a modern, self-reliant state.

THE BODY

Polity

The most immediate and critical challenge was the political consolidation of Indian Union.

• • Accession and Integration of Princely states: The most significant challenge was incorporating over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. The government used a combination of diplomacy and force to secure the integration of these states.
  • Linguistic Reorganization: Another major challenge was the rising demands for the reorganization of states along linguistic lines. The States Reorganization Act of 1956 created 14 states and 6 union territories, largely based on linguistic boundaries.
  • Establishment of Representative Democracy: Another area in the consolidation process was establishment of a representative democracy. It was achieved through constitutional methods and holding of first general elections (1951-52).

Economy

• • Mixed economic model: India rejected both pure capitalism and state-driven socialism in favour of a mixed economy model. The primary goal was to achieve rapid economic growth, reduce poverty, and attain self-reliance.
  • Planned economy: India adopted a planned economy after independence aimed to make the nation self-sufficient and economically strong.For example, Planning Commission was established in 1950, and the first Five-Year Plan was launched in 1951 which focused on national priorities of agriculture and industries.
  • Import Substitution: To achieve self-reliance, the government adopted a strategy of import substitution, where domestic industries were protected from foreign competition.

Education

• • Constitutional Mandate: The newly independent nation recognized that modern, educated citizens was essential for progress. For which, the Constitution included provisions for free and compulsory education for all children.
  • Established Commissions: The government established various commissions aimed to reform the colonial education system, making it more aligned with India’s national goals. For example, there was establishment of commissions like the Radhakrishnan Commission(1948) for university education and the Mudaliar Commission(1952) to improve secondary education system.
  • Institution Building: Another area for strengthening of education system was through institution building. For example, the early phase of independence saw the establishment of premier institutions such as the IITs and UGC to build strong base and improve the quality of higher education.

International Relations

• • Non-Alignment: India played a pivotal role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to keep newly independent countries out of the Cold War rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union.
  • Panchsheel: In 1954, India and China signed the Panchsheel, which became a foundational principle of India’s foreign policy. These principles emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
  • Other Policies: Other Key policies included anti-colonialism, anti-racism, and a commitment to a peaceful world.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s early post-independence consolidation focused on establishing a unified political structure by integrating the nation and building a self-reliant economy. Similarly, in the field of education, there was focus of human capital formation, and internationally, India maintained the strategic autonomy and pursued an independent foreign policy.