Does the Govt Plan to Remove 'Socialist' and 'Secular' from the Constitution's Preamble?
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Synopsis
In a recent debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal clarified that the government has no plans to remove 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Constitution's Preamble. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions in political circles, underscoring the government's commitment to maintaining these fundamental principles.
Key Takeaways
- The government has no plans to amend the Preamble.
- Discussions around these terms are ongoing but unofficial.
- Supreme Court ruling supports the importance of both terms.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) - Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that despite calls from certain groups for the elimination of the terms "socialist" and "secular" from the Indian Constitution's Preamble, the government currently has no intentions or plans to undertake such actions.
In response to a query posed by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, Meghwal explained: “The Indian government has not officially begun any legal or constitutional processes to eliminate the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble. Although there may be discussions within some public or political forums, no official decision or proposal regarding amendments to these terms has been made by the government.”
This statement follows recent comments from RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who in June suggested a national debate on the necessity of these terms, which were included during the Emergency by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.
Meghwal differentiated the government's position from that of social organization leaders, stating, “While some groups may be voicing their opinions or pushing for a review of these terms, such dialogues contribute to public discourse but do not represent the government’s official stance or actions.”
In reference to a Supreme Court ruling from November 2024 in the case of Dr Balram Singh & Others vs Union of India, Minister Meghwal remarked: “The court clarified that ‘socialism’ within the Indian context signifies a welfare state and does not hinder private sector development, while ‘secularism’ is essential to the Constitution’s core structure.”
Reinforcing the government’s viewpoint, he asserted: “There is no current plan or intention to reconsider or eliminate these terms from the Preamble. Any amendment to the Constitution would necessitate wide political consensus and extensive deliberation — and at this moment, no such initiative has been launched.”
Point of View
I believe it is essential to acknowledge that the government's stance on retaining the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' reflects a commitment to uphold the foundational values of our Constitution. While discussions on constitutional amendments are vital in a democracy, it is crucial that any potential changes are approached with thorough deliberation and broad consensus.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal state regarding the Preamble?
He stated that the government has no current plans to remove the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Preamble of the Constitution.
Who raised the question about the removal of these terms?
The question was raised by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman in the Rajya Sabha.
What did the Supreme Court ruling clarify regarding socialism and secularism?
The ruling clarified that 'socialism' signifies a welfare state conducive to private growth, and 'secularism' is integral to the Constitution's basic structure.
