Introduction:
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 granted independence to British India and left the decision of future course of action to princely states. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in persuading princely states to join the Indian Union after independence. As a result of their accession, princely states were granted a ‘privy purse’ as per the Instrument of Accession.
Body:
Relevance of ‘Privy Purse’:
- Privy purse’ payments were provided to former rulers through constitutional provisions (Art. 291 and Art. 362), yet it was seen as a remnant of colonial history.
- It upheld a special status for the ruling class, perpetuating a colonial hierarchy of rulers and subjects.
- Contradicted the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution’s Preamble and Part 3.
- Economically strained India, grappling with poverty and security challenges, couldn’t sustain this added financial burden.
Abolition of ‘Privy Purse’:
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi advocated for its abolition, leading to the 26th Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1971, which removed Articles 291 and 362.
Reasons for Abolition:
- The ‘privy purse’ contradicted the constitutional promise of equal rights for all citizens.
- The concept of privileged rulers contradicted democratic, equitable, and socially just principles.
- The ‘privy purse’ served no contemporary purpose and was irrelevant to the needs of the nation.
- The economic strain intensified due to the 1971 refugee crisis from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), necessitating measures to address the revenue deficit.
Conclusion:
Despite challenges from princely state rulers, the abolition of the ‘privy purse’ was a step towards realizing the Constitution’s vision of an egalitarian society. It aligned with the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice, fostering a more inclusive and equitable nation.