Question

The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976 inserted which of the following words to the Preamble of the Constitution of India ?

• A. Socialist and Secular
• B. Socialist and Sovereign
• C. Secular and Democratic
• D. Secular and Republic

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976 included significant changes to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Understanding the context of this amendment requires knowledge of its purpose and the ideological shifts it represented. During the 1970s, India underwent political and social transformations, prompting the government to emphasize certain principles that would guide the nation's development.

The Forty-Second Amendment is often referred to as a "mini-Constitution" due to the extensive reforms it introduced, including the strengthening of central Powers and the enhancement of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Among these changes were additions to the Preamble, which sets forth the foundational values and guiding ethos of the Indian polity.

The Amendment specifically added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble. This inclusion aimed to underscore India's commitment to social equity and a separation of religion from State affairs, ensuring that the government remains neutral in religious matters while working towards economic and social justice.

Given the options provided regarding the changes to the Preamble:

1	Socialist and Secular
2	Socialist and Sovereign
3	Secular and Democratic
4	Secular and Republic

It is clear that the correct answer is: Socialist and Secular.