Subject: GS2: Polity and Governance 

Context:

• An opposition leader claimed that the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were missing from the new Constitution copies distributed to MPs.

History of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble:

• The two terms “socialist” and “secular” were inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976. 
• This was done during the Emergency imposed by the then-Prime Minister between 1975 and 1977.

Secular state: The Constitution of India stands for a Secular State. Hence, it does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian State.

• The following provisions of the Constitution reveal the secular character of the Indian State:
  • The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship.
  • Article 14: The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws
  • Article 15: The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of religion.
  • Article 16:Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment.
  • Article 25: All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate any religion

Socialism:

• Indian socialism is a ‘democratic socialism’ which holds faith in a ‘mixed economy’ where both public and private sectors co-exist side by side.
• Indian socialism is a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism.

News Source: Business Standard