Understanding Democracy

Lest we forget what our country stands for, it is good to remind ourselves what the Constitution of India says. Today, more than ever, there is a need for us to reiterate our commitment to our country, which our Constituent Assembly envisioned, than during anytime in the past, post-independence.

Excerpts:

?

The Constitution of India is a historic socio-legal document embracing the aspirations of the people belonging to a multifaceted heterogeneous society. The Preamble says:

?

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, have 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 assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.”

?

Socialism: The word socialist was not there in the Preamble of the Constitution in its original form. In 1976, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution incorporated ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’, in the Preamble. The word ‘Socialism’ had been used in the context of economic planning. It signifies major role in the economy. It also means commitment to attain ideals like removal of inequalities, provision of minimum basic necessities to all, equal pay for equal work.

?Secularism: In the context of secularism in India, it is said that ‘India is neither religious, nor irreligious nor anti-religious. It implies that in India there will be no ‘State’ religion – the ‘State’ will not support any particular religion out of public funds. This has two implications, a) every individual is free to believe in, and practice, any religion he/ she belongs to, and, b) State will not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of religion.

Democratic Republic: The Preamble reflects democracy as a value. As a form of government, it derives its authority from the will of the people. The people elect their representatives for governance and the elected representatives remain accountable to the people.

Democracy contributes to stability, continuous progress in the society and it secures peaceful political change. It allows dissent and encourages tolerance. And more importantly, it is based on the principles of rule of law, inalienable rights of citizens, independence of judiciary, free and fair elections and freedom of the press.

Every citizen of India is equally eligible to be elected as the Head of the State.

Justice: Justice promises to give people what they are entitled to in terms of basic rights to food, clothing, housing, participation in the decision making and living with dignity as human beings. The Preamble covers all these dimensions of justice – social, economic and political. “Social justice” has been defined in a variety of ways. Amongst them, they incorporate concepts of basic rights, the realisation of human potential, social benefit, an equitable distribution of resources, equal opportunities and obligations, security, and freedom from discrimination. Social justice means equal rights for all, regardless of gender, race, class, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, age or sexual orientation. It implies equal rights for women and girls in workplaces, homes and public life. It implies economic justice – which means governments must take active steps to alleviate poverty and redress past injustices. Economic justice really forms a part of social justice. It seeks the equitable distribution of natural and intellectual wealth so that everyone is able to gain a fair share.

Equity: Equity represents a belief that there are some things which people should have, that there are basic needs that should be fulfilled, that burdens and rewards should not be spread too divergently across the community, and that policy should be directed with impartiality, fairness and justice towards these ends.

Disadvantaged sections are defined by the Constitution and classified on the basis of caste, religion, creed, gender (sex), age and disability. These groups have been designated as deprived or disadvantaged because of certain injustices which have occurred against the members of these groups in the past and present. Social equity is the means used to help to redress these injuries. The term also covers the protection of certain fundamental rights which we all enjoy as citizens of a free society.

Equality: Equality is considered to be the essence of modern democratic ideology. The Constitution makers placed the ideals of equality in a place of pride in the Preamble. All kinds of inequality based on the concept of rulers and the ruled or on the basis of caste and gender, were to be eliminated. All citizens of India should be treated equally and extended equal protection of law without any discrimination based on caste, creed, birth, religion, sex etc. Similarly. equality of opportunities implies that regardless of the socio-economic situations into which one is born, he/she will have the same chance as everybody else to develop his/her talents and choose means of livelihood.

Liberty: The Preamble prescribes liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship as one of the core values. These have to be assured to every member of all the communities.

Fraternity: There is also a commitment made in the Preamble to promote the value of fraternity that stands for the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India. Fraternity can be realized not only by abolishing untouchability amongst different sects of the community, but also by abolishing all communal or sectarian or even local discriminatory feelings which stand in the way of unity of India.

?Dignity of the Individual: It ensures equal participation of every individual in all the processes of democratic governance.

?Unity and Integrity of the Nation: Our Constitution expects from all the citizens of India to uphold and protect the unity and integrity of India as a matter of duty.

?

Content Source: The Indian Constitution

Picture courtesy: The Internet

#IndianConstitution #india #IndianDemocracy #indianelections #democracy #election #indianpolitics #vote #Vote2024 #voteforchange2024 #indianparliament #sansad #Equality #inclusion #inclusivity #inclusionmatters #Secularism #secularindia #voiceofindia #socialjustice #Justice

?

?