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PolitySource: Press Information Bureau

Lok Sabha Speaker Pays Tributes to Shri Morarji Desai

Tuesday, 4 March 2025
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Key Points

On February 28, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla paid floral tributes to Shri Morarji Desai, commemorating his birth anniversary in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. This event is significant for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 2, which covers Indian polity and governance. Last Updated: 2025-03-04

Key Facts About Shri Morarji Desai

  • Tribute Date: February 28, 2025
  • Tribute Paid By: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla
  • Honoree: Shri Morarji Desai, former Prime Minister of India
  • Location: Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan
  • Birth Anniversary: Commemorated Morarji Desai's birth anniversary
  • Tenure: 4th Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979
  • Freedom Struggle: Joined independence movement in 1930
  • Detentions: Arrested during Satyagraha and Quit India Movement
  • Post-Independence Role: Commerce and Industry Minister in 1956
  • Finance Portfolio: Took over in 1958
  • Kamaraj Plan: Resigned from Union Cabinet in 1963
  • Administrative Reforms: Chairman of 1st Administrative Reforms Commission in 1966
  • Janata Party Victory: Led to victory in 1977 Lok Sabha elections
  • 44th Amendment Act: Enacted during his tenure to uphold rule of law
  • Tributes Paid By: Members of Parliament and dignitaries
  • Portrait Unveiling: By Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on December 15, 1995

India's Political Legacy and Governance

Shri Morarji Desai's tenure as the 4th Prime Minister marked a pivotal moment in India's political landscape, emphasizing democratic values and governance reforms. His leadership during the Janata Party's victory in 1977 was a testament to India's commitment to democratic processes. The 44th Amendment Act during his tenure was crucial in reinforcing the rule of law, aligning with India's strategic goal of maintaining a robust constitutional framework.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

  • 44th Amendment Act: Aimed to restore the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.
  • Kamaraj Plan: Encouraged senior Congress leaders to resign from ministerial positions to work for the party.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 1: Indian Freedom Struggle - Contributions of leaders like Morarji Desai.
  • GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Role of Prime Ministers and constitutional amendments.
  • Prelims Angle: Questions on key amendments, tenure of Prime Ministers, and historical events.
  • Mains Angle: Analytical themes on governance reforms and democratic processes.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on leadership and governance in post-independence India.

FAQ Section

  • What is the significance of Morarji Desai's tenure as Prime Minister?
    Morarji Desai was the 4th Prime Minister of India, serving from 1977 to 1979. His tenure is noted for the enactment of the 44th Amendment Act, which reinforced the rule of law and democratic governance.
  • Why is Morarji Desai important in Indian history?
    Desai was a key figure in India's independence movement and played significant roles post-independence, including as Commerce and Industry Minister and Finance Minister. His leadership during the Janata Party's victory marked a democratic shift in Indian politics.
  • What are the key features of the 44th Amendment Act?
    The 44th Amendment Act, enacted during Desai's tenure, aimed to restore the balance of power between the executive and judiciary, safeguarding civil liberties and democratic processes.

Detailed Coverage

  • Tribute Date: February 28, 2025
  • Tribute Paid By: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla
  • Honoree: Shri Morarji Desai, former Prime Minister of India
  • Location: Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan
  • Birth Anniversary: Commemorated Morarji Desai's birth anniversary
  • Tenure: 4th Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979
  • Freedom Struggle: Joined independence movement in 1930
  • Detentions: Arrested during Satyagraha and Quit India Movement
  • Post-Independence Role: Commerce and Industry Minister in 1956
  • Finance Portfolio: Took over in 1958
  • Kamaraj Plan: Resigned from Union Cabinet in 1963
  • Administrative Reforms: Chairman of 1st Administrative Reforms Commission in 1966
  • Janata Party Victory: Led to victory in 1977 Lok Sabha elections
  • 44th Amendment Act: Enacted during his tenure to uphold rule of law
  • Tributes Paid By: Members of Parliament and dignitaries
  • Portrait Unveiling: By Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on December 15, 1995
Polity

Practice Questions

Test your understanding of this article

Question 1 of 50 / 5 answered
1

Assertion (A): A: Shri Morarji Desai was the first Prime Minister to be born on February 29.
Reason (R): R: He was born on February 29, 1896.

In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?