Editor,
The editorial “Secularism, socialism” (ST November 27, 2024) made interesting reading. The Constituent Assembly initially omitted the terms “secular” and “socialist” from the Constitution for several reasons. At the time, the term “secularism” was considered ambiguous and potentially misunderstood as being opposed to religion. The Assembly wanted to avoid any misinterpretation that might arise from including such a term. DR B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, opposed the inclusion of “socialist” because he believed it would restrict the democratic process. He argued that defining the state’s economic policy in the Constitution would limit future governments’ flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and the will of the people. The Assembly prioritised the inclusion of fundamental rights and establishment of a democratic framework that would ensure equality and justice for all citizens. They believed that the principles of secularism and socialism were inherently reflected in these rights and did not need to be explicitly stated in the Preamble. Over time the interpretation of secularism and socialism evolved in India.
These two terms were later added to the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 to the Constitution, reinforcing these values explicitly despite challenges regarding their legitimacy and timing. Article 368 empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble. In 1978, the Indian Parliament deliberated on the terms “secular” and “socialist” in the Preamble of the Constitution. The aim was to reinforce the values of secularism and socialism in India. The debate in 1978 was part of the broader discussions on the Constitution’s 42nd Amendment Bill, which retained these terms after extensive parliamentary discussion. The Supreme Court later upheld the inclusion of these terms, emphasizing their widespread acceptance and clear understanding by the people of India. It also recognised the Constitution as a living document, adaptable to society’s evolving needs. India is a democratic and secular state and therefore creating social division based on religion is deeply harmful and goes against the principles of equality and unity. It can lead to discrimination, conflict and a breakdown of social harmony.
In a diverse society like India, where multiple religions coexist, fostering mutual respect and understanding is crucial for maintaining peace and progress. The Indian Constitution enshrines the values of secularism, ensuring that the state treats all religions equally and does not favour or discriminate against any. This principle is vital for promoting social cohesion and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Shillong
Wanted meaningful development
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would draw your kind attention to the callous killing of individuals in the past which has slowed down the pace of development. As a result our state is reeling under a serious crisis and this can be attributed primarily to the personalized politics and poor educational infrastructure. Today everyone talks about development and equates it to construction of roads, multi-storied buildings, shopping malls etc. whereas meaningful development is through educational enlightenment. This in turn will promote individual freedom, empowerment and yield important developmental benefits. Unfortunately, many of us who have undertaken that responsibility, particularly the elected, have deviated from the primary objective of ensuring quality education that is affordable, free and fair besides other more constructive approaches towards nation building.
Education is the foundation for enlightened minds that can add to the quality of development. It will also be worth mentioning that even after 52 years of statehood Meghalaya could not have its own state university to cater to the needs of educational institutions. I would further add that many of our children are dreaming to study in the much touted Shillong Medical College which was supposed to be set up through public private partnership. Sadly the status of that medical college is unknown. It is also a fact that the Central Government has a vision to set up new educational institutions for Meghalaya and perhaps many more in other fields but due to lack of initiative these are yet to materialize. Even hydro electricity projects are at a standstill though our state is blessed with abundant power potential.
The vision of a developed nation can only materialise when social illnesses are corrected and the present young generation are empowered to lead the state and bring about suitable social reforms for which they need to be good human beings first which again is possible only through appropriate education. Hence I sincerely appeal to those in positions of authority to kindly resurrect the objectives and struggle for the welfare of students because today’s students are the architect of tomorrow.
Long live Meghalaya!
Yours etc,
Krishnendu Deb,
Via email
Secularism: hallmark of the Constitution
Editor,
Kudos to the editorial, “Socialism, secularism” (ST, November 27, 2024). In its recent judgement, the apex court rightly said that both Socialism and Secularism ensured equality and equal rights for all citizens, which is appreciable for all times to come. Some people have been trying to banish the words Secular and Socialist from our Constitution by spreading half-truths that as these two words were not in the original Constitution, therefore they are not at all a part of it.
It is true that those two words were not in the Preamble when the Constitution was adopted and enacted on 26 November 1949 or when it came into effect on 26 January 1950. It was incorporated in the Preamble of the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. But it cannot be said that the ideals of Secularism and Socialism were not an intrinsic part of the original Constitution. Part IV of the Constitution of India dealing with the Directive Principles of State Policy (from Article 36 to 51) was a part of the original Constitution. It is totally based on socialist principles such as the welfare of the people, legal aid, the right to work, and the right to education.
On the other hand, Secularism had been embedded in the Constitution at the moment of its birth, in the form of Article 25 to Article 30, which has been regarded as one of the basic structures of the Constitution. While Article 25 has given every citizen equal entitlement to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion; Article 25 (2) has made religion under the control of the State, and not vice versa.
So, we need to highlight the fact that our Constitution is Secular and Socialist in every inch to counter the false information based on a half-truth.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata