Independence in 1947 brought India not just freedom but also the arduous challenges of nation-building and socio-economic development. Discuss the changes introduced by the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the consequent challenges.

Changes introduced by act: → Abolition of post of viceroy, lord mountbatten to serve as governor general until president is elected. → Power to frame the constitution for independent India by constituent assembly. → Right to secede from commonwealth → Princely states to either join dominion of India or Pakistan but still remain independent. → [answer continues on next page]

Consequent challenges: → Secession of princely states - Hyderabad, Kashmir & Junagad refused to join. Sardar Patel used policy of carrot & stick. → Reorganization of states into viable administrative units; linguistic reorganization (1956), demands for autonomy (North-East). → Establish democratic institutions, efficient election machinery for the vast electorate. → Communal violence post partition, displacement & rehabilitation of people. → Widespread poverty & socio-economic challenges. → India was ultimately able to overcome have challenges and is now positioned as largest democracy & 5th largest economy.

— Ritu Goyal · AIR 223