Socialism in India means a welfare state: CJI

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna addressed a batch of petitions challenging the inclusion of the words “socialist, secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. 

Key Highlights 

• The Chief Justice clarified that the idea of “socialism” in India represents a welfare state that ensures equality of opportunity for all, and does not negate private sector participation.
• He rejected the claim that the Preamble, as adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, could not be amended, stating that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and subject to changes under Article 368. 
• He also  asserted that both ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ are integral to the Constitution’s Basic Structure and cannot be altered.
  •  He also dismissed the idea that these terms were undemocratic, pointing out that they were meant to foster a welfare state.

What is Socialism?

• Socialism is an economic and political ideology advocating collective ownership and equitable distribution of resources to achieve social and economic equality. 
• It emphasizes reducing disparities in wealth and opportunities through state intervention, public ownership, and welfare policies.

Evolution of Socialism in India

• Socialism in India finds its origins in the freedom movement, where leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose championed a state-driven economy for equitable growth. 
• The Constitution, through its Preamble, enshrined “socialist” ideals after the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

Development in India

• Nehruvian Model: Adoption of state-led industrialization and planned economic development, exemplified by the establishment of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
• Land Reforms: Redistribution of land to address feudal inequalities.
• Social Justice Movements: Enactment of affirmative action policies like reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Challenges to Socialism in India

• Economic Disparities: Wealth concentration persists despite redistributive efforts, exacerbating inequalities.
• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: The public sector mostly suffers from inefficiency and corruption, undermining welfare objectives.
• Policy Shifts: The 1991 economic liberalization marked a gradual shift towards a market-oriented economy, diluting socialist ideals.
• Globalization and Privatization: These forces have widened income inequalities and challenged the welfare orientation of the state.
• Resource Constraints: Limited fiscal space hampers the government’s ability to deliver universal welfare programs effectively.

Contemporary Relevance of Socialism

• Social Security: Programs like MGNREGA and PM-KISAN uphold the socialist ethos by supporting vulnerable sections.
• Healthcare and Education: Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Education Policy (NEP) aim to democratize access to essential services.
• Climate Justice: Socialism now intersects with environmental concerns, advocating equitable access to natural resources and sustainable development.
  • Developed nations honor commitments like the Green Climate Fund to help developing nations tackle climate change impacts.
• Technological Equity: The digital divide necessitates policies that promote digital literacy and access for all.

Way Forward

• Strengthen social security nets to protect marginalized populations.
• Improve public sector efficiency through transparency and accountability.
• Promote inclusive growth by balancing market reforms with redistributive justice.
• Embrace participatory governance, ensuring that citizens have a voice in policy making.

Concluding remarks

• Socialism in India reflects the collective aspiration for equality, justice, and dignity. 
• While challenges persist, it continues to serve as a guiding principle for achieving a just and inclusive society. 

Source: TH