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Why in the News?

Nearly 75 years after the adoption of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court reaffirmed (on 25th Nov’ 24) the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.

What historical context led to the insertion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble?

• The Objectives Resolution, introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946, laid foundational principles for the Constitution, emphasizing independence, equality, and minority rights, which set the stage for later amendments.
• Initial discussions around socialism and secularism occurred during the drafting of the Constitution, with early proposals to include these concepts being rejected. The debates highlighted differing views on the role of socialism and secularism in India’s governance.
• The terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were inserted into the Preamble during the Emergency (1975-1977) under the 42nd Amendment, a time characterized by significant political unrest and government overreach.

What was the SC’s reasoning for upholding these terms in the Preamble?

• Evolution of Meaning: The Supreme Court noted in 1973 () that the meanings of ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ have evolved over time within the Indian context.
  • The court recognized that these terms now reflect principles of economic justice and religious neutrality rather than strict ideological definitions.
• Interpretation of Secularism: The court emphasized that India’s interpretation of secularism is unique, where the state neither endorses nor discriminates against any religion. This interpretation aligns with the Preamble’s ideals of fraternity and equality.
• Socialism as Economic Justice: The court defined socialism as ensuring economic and social justice, asserting that it does not impede private enterprise but rather supports state intervention to uplift marginalized communities.

How do ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ reflect India’s Constitutional values and principles?

• Commitment to Justice: The inclusion of ‘socialist’ reflects a commitment to social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequalities in society.
• Religious Neutrality: By incorporating ‘secular’, the Constitution underscores India’s commitment to religious pluralism and the protection of individual rights regardless of faith.
• Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the idea that these terms are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be altered or removed without undermining India’s democratic framework.

Way forward: 

• Strengthening Constitutional Values: Enhance awareness of constitutional principles through education and public campaigns, ensuring adherence to secularism, socialism, and democratic ideals in policymaking.
• Inclusive Governance: Implement targeted programs to address socio-economic inequalities, promote interfaith dialogue, and uphold democratic rights, fostering harmony and justice in a diverse society.

Mains PYQ:

Q Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?. (UPSC IAS/2016)

Why in the News?

On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.

Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?

• Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.
• Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.
• Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.

How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?

• Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.
  • The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.
• Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.
• Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.

What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively? (Way forward)

• Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.
• Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.
• Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
• Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.

Mains PYQ:

Q COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2020)