Why I think India is neither a secular nor a socialist country - Merinews

Why I think India is neither a secular nor a socialist country

30 January, 2015

The Constitution of India in its preamble states that India is a secular socialist country. However, a Government ad giving the preamble to the Constitution of India does not state so. This has caused a debate in certain quarters. The reality in this regard is that India is neither a secular country nor a socialist one. Let us examine this.

According to Wikipedia, secularism is the principle of the separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries.

One manifestation of secularism is asserting the right to be free from religious rule and teachings, or, in a state declared to be neutral on matters of belief, from the imposition by government of religion or religious practices upon its people.

Another manifestation of secularism is the view that public activities and decisions, especially political ones, should be uninfluenced by religious beliefs and/or practices.

If we apply these criteria, then why Indian Parliament amended the Constitution to change the Supreme Court's verdict in Shah Bano case and why there should not be an Uniform Civil Code for all Indian citizens. The reality is that India is a multi-religious society where freedom to practice one's faith is guaranteed under the Constitution but it is not a secular country.

Now let us see whether India is a socialist country. In socialist countries, the means of production are taken over by the State and the products are also distributed by it. However, such is not the case in India. With the advent of Economic Reforms in 1991, the country has become a normal capitalist country.

Hence it is not a socialist country. So, the ad released by the Government is correct.

Editorial NOTE: This article is categorized under Opinion Section. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of merinews.com. In case you have a opposing view, please click here to share the same in the comments section.

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Like Europe and America, please concentrate in your own affairs and also concentrate in your assignments and look after your family members well and try to save something for the coming generation. This way the country will never prosper. People are running behind castes, creed and community. This scenario is only in India. There is no other country indulge in this type of activities. Please fear God.

Very well explained sir! Brilliant argument!