Daily Current Affairs : 22-September-2023

The Preamble of a constitution is like its heartbeat, embodying the core values and aspirations of a nation. In India, the Preamble serves as a guiding light for the entire Constitution. Recently, there has been a stir in the Indian political landscape as the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha claimed that the words “socialist” and “secular” were missing in the original Preamble of the Constitution. Let’s delve into the significance of these words and their historical journey into the Preamble.

Understanding the Preamble

Every Constitution has a philosophy

A constitution is not just a set of rules; it’s a reflection of a nation’s philosophy. In the case of India, this philosophy was first articulated in the Objectives Resolution, adopted on January 22, 1947. The Preamble encapsulates these ideals, providing an introduction to the Constitution and outlining its fundamental principles and goals.

The Arrival of “Socialist” and “Secular”

Socialist

Originally, the Preamble didn’t contain the word “socialist.” However, during the turbulent period of the Emergency in 1976, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government introduced the term through the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act. It was a declaration that socialism was a cherished goal of the Indian state. Notably, Indian socialism differed from the USSR or China’s models; it didn’t advocate the nationalization of all means of production.

Secular

Similarly, “secular” was also introduced during the 42nd Amendment. The motivation was to emphasize the unity and fraternity among India’s diverse religious communities. The secular state, as envisioned, is impartial, treats all religions equally, and doesn’t endorse any particular faith as the state religion. It signifies the state’s focus on human-to-human relationships rather than human-to-God, leaving matters of faith to individual choice and conscience. Articles 25-28 of the Constitution secure the secular nature of the Indian state.

Secularism Before the 42nd Amendment

It’s important to note that the concept of secularism was implicit in the Indian Constitution from its inception. Founders of the Republic carefully crafted Articles 25, 26, and 27 with the explicit intention of promoting secularism. The 42nd Amendment merely formalized what was already ingrained in the Constitution’s philosophy.

Important Points:

  • The Preamble of a constitution encapsulates a nation’s core values and aspirations.
  • In India, the philosophy of the Constitution was articulated in the Objectives Resolution of 1947.
  • The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining its fundamental principles and goals.
  • “Socialist” and “secular” were not originally part of India’s Preamble.
  • These words were introduced through the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act in 1976, during the Emergency.
  • The term “socialist” was added to emphasize socialism as a goal, distinct from other models like the USSR or China.
  • “Secular” was added to promote unity and fraternity among India’s diverse religious communities.
  • A secular Indian state is impartial, treats all religions equally, and doesn’t endorse any as the state religion.
  • The secular nature of the Indian state is secured by Articles 25-28 of the Constitution.
  • Secularism was always implicit in the Constitution through various provisions.
  • The 42nd Amendment formally included “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble but didn’t change the underlying philosophy.
  • These words represent India’s commitment to social justice and religious harmony.
  • The Preamble evolves over time to reflect the changing needs of Indian society.
  • “Socialist” and “secular” are not just legal formalities; they represent the essence of diverse and democratic India.
Why In News

The Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha has asserted that the Preamble of the Constitution of India distributed to MPs conspicuously omitted the terms “socialist” and “secular.” This omission has raised concerns about the preservation of these fundamental principles in the nation’s governance.

MCQs about Preamble Evolution: Socialist and Secular Inclusions

  1. When were the words “socialist” and “secular” introduced into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
    A. They were originally part of the Preamble.
    B. They were introduced in 1947.
    C. They were added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment.
    D. They were included during the drafting of the Constitution in 1950.
    Correct Answer: C. They were added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment.
    Explanation: The words “socialist” and “secular” were introduced into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
  2. What is the primary objective of including the term “secular” in the Preamble?
    A. To promote atheism.
    B. To endorse a specific religion.
    C. To emphasize religious harmony and neutrality of the state.
    D. To establish India as a theocratic state.
    Correct Answer: C. To emphasize religious harmony and neutrality of the state.
    Explanation: The term “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution is included to emphasize religious harmony and the state’s neutrality in matters of religion.
  3. Before the 42nd Amendment, what was the status of secularism in the Indian Constitution?
    A. Secularism was explicitly mentioned in the original Preamble.
    B. Secularism was implicit in various provisions and the Constitution’s philosophy.
    C. The Indian Constitution did not mention secularism at all.
    D. Secularism was only added in the 44th Amendment.
    Correct Answer: B. Secularism was implicit in various provisions and the Constitution’s philosophy.
    Explanation: Before the 42nd Amendment, the concept of secularism was implicit in various provisions and the overall philosophy of the Indian Constitution. The 42nd Amendment formalized its inclusion in the Preamble.

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