Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Preamble to the Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, serves as a foundational document outlining the philosophy and objectives of the nation. It declares India to be a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic, guaranteeing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity to all its citizens. However, despite over seven decades of constitutional governance, a critical examination reveals that several of these enshrined ideals remain aspirational, facing significant challenges in their complete realization. This necessitates a nuanced evaluation of the gap between the constitutional promise and the lived realities of a vast and diverse population.
Justice – Social, Economic, and Political
The ideal of justice, encompassing social, economic, and political dimensions, remains partially fulfilled. While political justice is largely ensured through universal adult suffrage and a robust electoral system, social and economic justice lag behind.
- Social Justice: Caste-based discrimination, though legally prohibited, persists in many parts of India, impacting access to opportunities and perpetuating inequalities. The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the socio-economic deprivation of Muslims, demonstrating continued social injustice.
- Economic Justice: Despite economic growth, income inequality has widened. According to Oxfam India’s ‘State of Inequality in India’ report (2023), the top 10% of Indians own 77% of the country’s wealth. Land reforms, intended to address economic disparities, have had limited success in many states.
- Political Justice: Criminalization of politics and the influence of money power pose challenges to free and fair elections, undermining political justice.
Liberty – Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith, and Worship
While fundamental rights guarantee liberties, their practical application faces constraints. Freedom of speech and expression, enshrined in Article 19(1)(a), is often curtailed through sedition laws, IT rules, and restrictions on media freedom.
- Restrictions on Expression: The use of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code, despite Supreme Court guidelines, continues to be a concern.
- Religious Liberty: Instances of religious intolerance and violence, such as those witnessed in the context of cow vigilantism, challenge the ideal of religious freedom.
- Personal Liberty: Prolonged detention without trial and concerns regarding surveillance raise questions about the protection of personal liberty.
Equality – Status and Opportunity
The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal opportunity in matters of public employment (Articles 14-16). However, systemic inequalities based on gender, caste, religion, and region persist.
- Gender Inequality: The Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, published by the UNDP, ranks India 127th out of 199 countries, highlighting significant disparities in health, empowerment, and economic status.
- Caste-based Discrimination: Despite affirmative action policies like reservations, discrimination against marginalized communities continues in education, employment, and social spheres.
- Regional Disparities: Uneven development across states leads to disparities in access to resources and opportunities.
Fraternity – Dignity of the Individual and Unity of the Nation
Promoting fraternity, ensuring the dignity of the individual, and fostering unity of the nation remain significant challenges in a diverse and often polarized society.
- Communal Polarization: The rise of identity politics and communal tensions threaten national unity and social harmony.
- Social Divisions: Caste, religion, and regional identities often overshadow a sense of shared national identity.
- Human Dignity: Incidents of violence against marginalized groups, including Dalits and minorities, undermine the dignity of the individual.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge progress. Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide economic justice, while initiatives promoting education and healthcare contribute to social upliftment. The enactment of laws like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, demonstrate a commitment to addressing social injustice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while India has made considerable strides in upholding some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble, a significant gap remains between constitutional promises and ground realities. The persistence of social, economic, and political inequalities, coupled with challenges to liberty and fraternity, necessitates a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, social justice, and the protection of fundamental rights. A continuous and concerted effort is required to translate these ideals from mere declarations on paper into tangible benefits for all citizens, fostering a truly just, equitable, and harmonious society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.