QUES . The makers of the Indian Constitution were aware that a strong and united nation could be built only when all sections of people had the freedom to practice their religion. In the context of this statement mention the constitutional provisions relating to secularism.
RELEVANCE – UPSC GS MAINS PAPER I ; TOPIC – communalism, regionalism & secularism.
UPSC GS MAINS PAPER II ; TOPIC – Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
HINTS:
Secularism is the part of Indian Constitution. The makers of the Indian Constitution were aware that a strong and united nation could be built only when all sections of people had the freedom to practice their religion. So secularism was accepted as one of the fundamental tenets for the development of democracy in India.
The word secularism was not mentioned in our Constitution when it was adopted in 1950. Later on in 1976, the word secular was incorporated in the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution. (India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic).
Must read: Secularism : Meaning , Objectives , Characteristics , Importance
The basic aim of our Constitution is to promote unity and integrity of the nation along with individual dignity. There is no state religion in India. The state will neither establish a religion of its own nor confer any special patronage upon any particular religion.
The freedom of religion guaranteed under the Indian Constitution is not confined to its citizen alone but extends to aliens also. This was pointed out by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case Ratilal Panchand V State of Bombay in 1954.
The Constitution of India has the following distinguishing features with respect to secularism:
a. The state will not identify itself with or be controlled by any religion
b. The state guarantees to everyone the right to profess any religion of their own.
c. The state will not accord any preferential treatment any of them.
d. No discrimination will be shown by the state against any person on account of his religious faith.
e. It creates fraternity of the Indian people and gives assurance the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation.
Must read: Indian model of Secularism
Mosaic of Constitutional Provisions relating to secularism:
Article 15 – prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth etc.
Article 16 – equality of opportunity in public employment.
Article 25(1) – guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate religion individually.
Article 26 – Freedom to manage religious affairs.
Must read: Indian concept of secularism vs Western concept of secularism
Article 27 – The state shall not compel any citizen to pay any taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
Article 28 – on religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institution.
Article 29(2) – A ban on discrimination in state-aided educational institution .
Must read: Secularism in Education
The Indian State is secular and works in various ways to prevent religious domination. Secularism undoubtedly helps and aspires to enable every citizen to enjoy fully blessings of life, liberty and happiness. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights that are based on secular principles. It is one of the glowing achievement on Indian democracy.
External link: https://www.ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/keps108.pdf
