Go for Social Science- 8 ( civics)

                       Civics

                       Chapter -2 

                      Secularism

                  Exercises

7. Short Answer Questions

**(a) What is meant by Secularism?**

Secularism means that the state maintains a neutral stance toward all religions, ensuring that no particular religion is given preference or is promoted by the government. It ensures equal treatment and protection under the law for all religious beliefs and practices.

**(b) Mention three ways in which the government of India implements the ideals of Secularism.**

1. **Equal Treatment of All Religions**: The government does not favor any religion over another in its policies and practices.

2. **Legal Provisions**: Laws and regulations are in place to protect the rights of individuals to practice, profess, and propagate their religion freely.

3. **State Non-Interference**: The government ensures that religious groups can manage their own affairs without undue interference, while also intervening to uphold fundamental rights and social justice when necessary.

**(c) Which two Fundamental Rights ensure the promotion of secularism in the country?**

1. **Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)**: Guarantees all citizens the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion.

2. **Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)**: Ensures that all citizens are treated equally before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

**(d) What do you mean by 'non-interference in religious beliefs and practices?'**

'Non-interference in religious beliefs and practices' means that the state does not involve itself in the religious affairs of individuals or communities. People are free to follow their religious beliefs and practices without government intervention, provided these practices do not infringe on the rights of others or violate the law.

 8. Long Answer Questions

(a) Does the Indian State recognize and promote a particular religion? Give your reasons.

No, the Indian State does not recognize or promote any particular religion. The Constitution of India establishes the country as a secular state, which means that it treats all religions equally and does not favor or endorse any religion. This principle is enshrined in the Preamble and further reinforced by various articles, including Articles 25-28, which guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit religious discrimination.

**(b) Write in your own words the ways in which the Indian State promotes the principles of secularism as given in the Constitution.**

The Indian State promotes the principles of secularism in several ways:

1. **Legal Framework**: Through constitutional provisions like Articles 25-28, which ensure freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination based on religion.

2. **Equal Opportunity**: The government provides equal opportunities in public employment, education, and social welfare schemes without any religious bias.

3. **Neutral Policies**: Formulation and implementation of policies that do not favor any particular religion, thus maintaining a neutral stance.

4. **Protection of Religious Minorities**: Special provisions and safeguards are in place to protect the rights and interests of religious minorities, ensuring they are not marginalized.

(c) What prevents a religious community from dominating other communities?

Several mechanisms prevent a religious community from dominating others:

1. Constitutional Safeguards: The Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination, preventing any single community from dominating others.

2. Legal Protections: Laws that prohibit discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.

3. **Independent Judiciary**: A judicial system that upholds the rights of all citizens and intervenes when necessary to prevent the dominance of one community over others.

4. **Secular Policies**: Government policies that promote secularism and prevent any form of religious dominance in public affairs.

**(d) How does the Indian State follow the contradictory policies of non-interference and strategic intervention in matters of religious communities?**

The Indian State balances non-interference and strategic intervention in religious matters through:

1. **Non-Interference**: The state respects the autonomy of religious communities to manage their own affairs and does not interfere in their internal matters as long as these do not conflict with public order, morality, or health.

2. **Strategic Intervention**: The state intervenes when religious practices violate fundamental rights or social justice. For example, it has outlawed practices like untouchability and sati, which were harmful and discriminatory.

3. **Legal Oversight**: Ensuring that religious practices do not infringe on the rights of others or violate the law, such as banning female foeticide and regulating temple entry.

4. **Balancing Rights and Justice**: The state strives to maintain a balance between respecting religious freedom and ensuring that all citizens' rights are protected, intervening strategically to uphold constitutional values and social justice.