Examine how the Indian model of secularism—which differs from the concept of secularism in the West—was shaped by the Constitution. Examine the arguments and difficulties related to putting this philosophy into practice.
Federalism :- In Indian Constitution refers to the way power is divided between the central government and the state governments. It's like having two levels of government that share responsibilities. Three Federal Feature of Indian constitution :- Distribution of Power:- The Indian Constitution divRead more
Federalism :- In Indian Constitution refers to the way power is divided between the central government and the state governments. It’s like having two levels of government that share responsibilities.
Three Federal Feature of Indian constitution :-
- Distribution of Power:– The Indian Constitution divides responsibilities between the central government and state governments. The central government takes care of big issues like defense and foreign affairs, while states handle local matters like schools and police. For example, during COVID -19 pandemic, the central government set national rules, but states could make their own rules based on what was happening locally.
- Supremacy of the constitution :- The Constitution is the highest law in India. If there’s a conflict between laws made by the central and state governments, the Constitution decides which one wins. For example, the central government had to take back some controversial farm laws after protests, showing that the Constitution and people’s voices matter.
- Independent Judiciary :- The judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, acts as a fair judge between the central and state governments. If there’s a disagreement, the court can step in to resolve it. For Example, during the pandemic the Supreme Court made sure both the central and state governments were doing their part to help migrant workers get the support they needed.
These features help keep a balance of power and ensure that both levels of government work together for the people.
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The Constitution of India plays a crucial role in shaping the Indian model of secularism, which is distinct from the Western notion of secularism. The Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom to all its citizens and ensures the state does not discriminate against any individual or communityRead more
The Constitution of India plays a crucial role in shaping the Indian model of secularism, which is distinct from the Western notion of secularism. The Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom to all its citizens and ensures the state does not discriminate against any individual or community on the basis of religion. This idea of secularism in India is often referred to as “principled distance” – where the state maintains equal distance from all religions and treats all citizens equally regardless of their religious beliefs.
One of the key aspects of the Indian model of secularism is the idea of “positive secularism,” which involves the state actively promoting religious harmony and understanding among different communities. This is reflected in the Constitution through provisions like Article 25, which guarantees individuals the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. Additionally, the state is mandated to intervene in religious matters to ensure social reform and equality among citizens.
However, the implementation of secularism in India has been a subject of debate and challenge. One of the major challenges is the issue of religious identity politics, where politicians and political parties use religious rhetoric to mobilize voters along religious lines. This has led to communal tensions and conflicts in the country, undermining the principles of secularism.
Another challenge is the issue of state intervention in religious matters, where the government’s policies and actions have sometimes been seen as favoring or discriminating against certain religious groups. This has led to accusations of appeasement and bias, further complicating the implementation of secularism in India.
Furthermore, the rise of religious fundamentalism and extremism poses a threat to the secular fabric of Indian society. Instances of communal violence and religious discrimination have highlighted the need for a more robust implementation of secularism to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
In conclusion, the Indian model of secularism, as enshrined in the Constitution, is distinct from the Western notion of secularism and places a strong emphasis on religious harmony and equality among citizens. However, challenges and debates surrounding its implementation persist, requiring continuous efforts to uphold the principles of secularism and ensure religious freedom for all.
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