Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 158

Of the following words in the Preamble of the Constitution of India, which was not inserted through the Constitution (forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the original words of the Preamble and the amendments made in 1976.

Correct Answer: C) Dignity

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Preamble of the Constitution of India is a foundational statement that outlines the guiding principles and objectives of the Constitution. It was originally adopted on November 26, 1949, and has undergone several amendments over the years to reflect the evolving needs and values of the Indian society.

One of the significant amendments to the Preamble was the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This amendment was introduced during the Emergency period and made several changes to the Constitution, including modifications to the Preamble. The primary purpose of this amendment was to strengthen the central government's authority and to align the Constitution with the principles of socialism and secularism.

Among the changes made to the Preamble through the Forty Second Amendment were the addition of the words "Socialist" and "Secular." These additions were intended to emphasize the government's commitment to socialism and the secular nature of the Indian state. Additionally, the word "Integrity" was also added to the Preamble to underscore the importance of national unity and territorial integrity.

However, the word "Dignity" was already present in the original Preamble of the Constitution of India. It was not added through the Forty Second Amendment. The word "Dignity" reflects the inherent respect and worth of every individual, which is a fundamental principle of the Constitution. This word was part of the original Preamble, which states that the people of India have resolved to secure to all its citizens "Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation."

Understanding the historical context and the specific changes made to the Preamble through the Forty Second Amendment is crucial for comprehending the evolution of the Indian Constitution. It is important to distinguish between the words that were already present in the original Preamble and those that were added through subsequent amendments.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The word "Socialist" was indeed added to the Preamble through the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This change reflected the government's commitment to socialism as a guiding principle.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The word "Secular" was also added to the Preamble through the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This amendment aimed to emphasize the secular nature of the Indian state.
  • Option C: Correct. The word "Dignity" was already present in the original Preamble of the Constitution of India and was not added through the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This word reflects the inherent respect and worth of every individual.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The word "Integrity" was added to the Preamble through the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976. This addition underscored the importance of national unity and territorial integrity.
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