QUES . How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. UPSC 2018
QUES . How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? UPSC 2014
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.
Other articles on the Secularism series :
Secularism : Meaning , Objectives , Characteristics , Importance https://fotisedu.com/secularism-meaning-objectives-characteristics-importance/
MTM – 23 Secularism and Education https://fotisedu.com/mtm-23-secularism-and-education/
MTM – 24 Constitution and Secularism https://fotisedu.com/mtm-24-constitution-and-secularism/
Indian model of Secularism https://fotisedu.com/indian-model-of-secularism/
ANSWER HINTS:
Secularism means an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful co-existence of citizens belonging to different faiths. It is a policy of neutrality and equality by the states towards all religious communities.
Although the general meaning is nominally the same in all democratic setups, its application varies from region to region.
The Western concept of secularism connotes a complete separation between religion and the state whereas the Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism, i.e. giving equal respect to all religions
In West the state cannot give financial support to educational institutions run by religious communities. Nor can it hinder the activities of religious communities as long as they are within the broad limits set by the law of the land. However the Indian Constitution permits partial financial support for religious schools, as well as the financing of religious buildings and infrastructure by the state.
The state treats all religions with equal indifference in the West. It does not aid any religious institutions through financial means or tax them. Whereas in India the state gives financial aid to religious institutions and taxes them as well.
West has no place for the idea of state-supported religious reform. However Indian secularism is compatible with the idea of state-supported religious reform. For example, the Constitution bans untouchability, the government has enacted laws abolishing child marriage, etc.
In west a single uniform code of law is used to dispense justice regardless of religious background. Although in India the law is the same for all citizens, certain personal laws with regard to marriage and property rights are different for every community. But they are all given equal consideration under the Indian Penal Code.
In western secularism, individual rights are at the forefront. Whereas Indian secularism deals not only with religious freedom of individuals but also with the religious freedom of minority communities.
