Polity Class 05

Preamble 

• Our constitutional forefathers felt that the preamble to the constitution is necessary as it is almost impossible for the citizens of the country to read and understand the entire constitution. It is also important because it defines the entire essence of our constitution. It is also known as "The identity card of our constitution" 
• Text of the Preamble
• "WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens
• JUSTICE: Social, economic, and political 
• LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship
• EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all 
• FRATERNITY assures the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation"
• Some facts related to the preamble 
• 42nd Constitutional amendment Act has added three words to the preamble- Socialist, Secular, and integrity

Meaning/explanation of each word 

WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA-

• It means all the organs derive their power from People.
• People have given themselves this constitution to protect our rights and freedom to ensure rules-based governance
• We are coming together and there is a strong resolution about what we want
• We the people clearly states the participation of the citizen of the country. It defines that the sovereign authorities are the citizen of India

Sovereign 

• Sovereignty can be explained from two dimensions i.e. from the perspective of the country as a whole and also from the perspective of the citizens 
• It implies that India is not dependent on any other country nor it is a dominion of any other nation. It is completely independent
• It also implies that there is no authority above the country and it is free to take all the decisions 
• In the age of globalization, the concept of Sovereignty is questioned by experts. Globalization is all about an interconnected world wherein countries come together and become part of various multilateral institutions like the United Nations, IMF (International Monetary Fund), World Bank, and WTO (world trade organization).
• It is said that countries will have to compromise their sovereignty to be part of the globalized world. They no longer have the freedom to frame policies on their own once they become part of these multilateral institutions
• For example- Under WTO, every country must give Most Favored Nation status to the rest of other countries
• In spite of the globalized world, India can still call itself a sovereign country because the decision to enter into these organizations is completely voluntary in nature. In the same manner, the country can also come out of these organizations on its own
• Sovereignty can also be defined from the perspective of citizens. In India, citizens are truly sovereign. They have complete freedom to exercise their choices at the time of election. 

Socialist 

• When the constituent assembly discussed the inclusion of the word socialist in the word preamble, Dr B R Ambedkar pointed out that the entire essence of the constitution is about the establishment of a socialistic pattern of society. Directive principles of State policy contained all provisions related to socialism. Ambedkar had argued that there is no need to include socialistic in the preamble 
• In 1976, through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment "socialistic" word was added to the preamble
• The essence of socialism is to establish an egalitarian society also known as equal opportunities society. It can be made possible by eliminating inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth. 
• Socialism practised in communist countries is different from what is known as "Democratic Socialism"
• In communist countries, the objectives of socialism are achieved through dictatorial regimes. The state will have a complete monopoly over resource allocation and there will be no private property. The state can nationalize private assets. Countries like Soviet Russia, and China, have practised this type of socialism. 
• On another hand, Democratic countries like the United Kingdom, India, and the rest of the western countries are following Democratic Socialism, here, both the government and private sector coexist as part of a mixed economy
• Between 1947 and 1991, India strictly followed socialism with an emphasis on state-led development. The private sector was controlled and regulated by the government through a license quota permit Raj. When this model was a failure in 1991, India opted for Market-led development popularly known as LPG (Liberalisation, privatization, and globalization)
• Critics have alleged that India has diluted socialistic principles by opting for globalization and Privatization but this criticism is not valid because the objectives of socialism can be achieved either through state-led development (Before 1991) or through market-dominated development (Post-1991)
• Socialism still reminds extremely relevant in the age of globalization and privatization because it is the responsibility of the state to reduce inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth by investing in Education, Health, and Infrastructure. 

Secular

• The word secular was added by the 42nd Constitutional amendment to the constitution in 1976. Dr B R Ambedkar argued that there is no need to mention secularism in the preamble because the entire constitution is founded on the principles of secularism. Articles 25-28 define the secular nature of the Indian state. 
• Secularism had its origin in Europe wherein the state revolted against the dominance of religious institutions. In Europe, secularism is defined as a concept wherein the state has nothing to do with religion. There is a complete separation between the activities of the state and of religious institutions. The state does not recognize any religion nor does the state will take into consideration religious traditions and customs while formulating policies. Secularism is defined in negative terms in western countries
• On the other hand, in India, secularism is defined from a positive perspective. The Indian concept of secularism had its origins in ancient traditions and customs and culture of the country. India is always known for its diversity, openness, respect for traditions and customs, and flexibility. This has influenced our constitutional forefathers
• The state recognizes all religions and treats all of them equally. The state will not discriminate against people on the basis of their religion. Fundamental rights also provide complete freedom to citizens to practice, preach, and propagate their religious beliefs
• The concept of secularism has undergone many changes since the time of independence. There were instances wherein political parties used religion to win elections and to retain powers resulting in communalism. It was started during British times when the Britishers opted for Divide and rule policy but in the last 75 years, India has successfully preserved its secular credentials

Democratic

• The essence of Democracy is the sovereignty of citizens. There are two types of democracy i.e Direct democracy and Indirect or representative democracy
• Direct democracy 
• Here, people rule themselves directly without the help of any intermediaries i.e representatives.
• They take all the decisions by themselves and also implement those decisions.
• The best example of direct democracy is Gram Sabha in Rural local self-governments
• Representative democracy- Our constitutional forefathers have realized that it is not possible to have direct democracy for such a large country as India. They have opted for Indirect democracy in the form of parliamentary democracy wherein the executive is made accountable to parliament. 
• Democracy in India is not restricted only to Political democracy. It also includes social and economic democracy 
• As pointed out by Dr B R Ambedkar, political democracy is meaningless unless it is accompanied by social and economic democracy