When and why socialist word added in the Preamble?

Ground Report | New Delhi: When socialist word added; The word 'Socialist' was added in the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. It provides that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the welfare of citizens, elimination of discrimination, nationalization of the means of production, equitable distribution of wealth, and justice for all. The principles of socialism are heavily reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution states: “We, the people of India, resolve to constitute India as a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure all its citizens.

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In 1976, the Preamble was amended (only once till date) by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act. Three new words, socialist, secular, and integrity were added to the preamble. The Supreme Court upheld this amendment.

When socialist word added

As originally enacted, the Preamble described the state as a "sovereign democratic republic", for which the terms "secular" and "socialist" were later passed by a captive parliament during the Emergency in the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

The word 'Socialist' was added in the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. It provides that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the welfare of citizens, elimination of discrimination, nationalization of the means of production, equitable distribution of wealth, and justice for all.

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The Bill relating to the 42nd Amendment was passed on 1 September 1976 by H.R. It was passed by Gokhale in the Lok Sabha. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on 4 November 1976.

It was passed on 11 November 1976, assigned on 18 December 1976 and commenced on 3 January 1977 making it the last amendment to the Constitution of India.

Why this word was added

Before the term was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Constitution had socialist content as the Directive Principles of State Policy. The term socialist used here refers to democratic socialism, that is, the attainment of socialist goals through democratic, evolutionary and non-violent means.

Indira Gandhi explained socialism as 'equality of opportunity or 'better life for the people. He said that socialism is like democracy, everyone has their own interpretations but in India socialism is a way of a better life for the people.

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