Question

Describe any five features of secularism in India.

Answer 1

Hint: Secularism is a doctrine which seeks to realise a secular society, a society in which there is no inter-religious or intra-religious domination. There is no state religion and every citizen has the rights to profess, propagate or practice any religion.

Complete Step by Step Answer: Five features of secularism in India are:
1. No State Religion: There is no religion of the state in a secular state, unlike a theocratic state. In India, there is no state religion.
2. Equal respect for all Religions: All the religions are equally respected in India. There is no domination of one religious community over other communities.
3. Freedom of Religion: The Constitution grants religious freedom to all people. Every individual can keep faith in any religion. Each individual can very freely worship his religious Gods. The Government cannot in any way interfere in the religious affairs of the people.
4. No Taxes for promotion of any religion: Article 27 of the constitution provides that no person shall be compelled to pay any tax for the maintenance or promotion of any particular religious denomination.
5. No religious education in Government educational institutions: Article 28 of the Indian Constitution provides that no religious education shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained by the State.

Note: Indian secularism has been criticised on many grounds. Some doubt the secular character of the Indian state and regard it as a Hindu state. They are of the opinion that the minorities, especially the Muslims are treated as second class citizens and their life, property and honour are not safe in India.