RBSE Class 11 Political Science Notes Chapter 8 Secularism

These comprehensive RBSE Class 11 Political Science Notes Chapter 8 Secularism will give a brief overview of all the concepts.

RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Notes Secularism

→ Meaning of Secularism:
The dictionary meaning of Secularism is “Indifference or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations”. Secularism rejects religion completely. It rather supports anti-religious feelings. Secularism implies a way of life and conduct guided purely by materialistic consideration. It holds that materialism alone benefits mankind while religious feelings retard it. But in its modern meaning, Secularism means freedom of religion and a non-interference policy of state in religious activities. In this way, Secularism in its modern meaning is not anti-religious. It is this policy of non-interference by

→ Western Secularism Vs Indian Secularism : 

• the State which gives equal protection to all the religions. Secularism is a doctrine that opposes all forms of inter-religious domination. Secularism challenges not merely inter-religious but also intra¬religious domination.
• According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “The term Secular means non-spiritual, having no concern with religious or spiritual matters.”
• According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, “Secularism does not mean that we shall not take into consideration the religious sentiments of the people. All that what a Secular State means is that Parliament shall not be competent to impose any particular religion on the rest of the people.” 

→ India as a Secular State
The Constitution of India establishes India as a Secular State.

• By the 42nd Amendment, the word ‘Secularism’ is included in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• In India, there is no state religion.
• Under the Indian Constitution all religions are treated alike.
• The State cannot make any discrimination on the basis of religion.
• The citizens have been guaranteed freedom of religion.
• According to the Constitution of India, the system of communal representation has been abolished and the principle of joint electorate system has been adopted.

→ Criticism of Indian Securalism
Indian Secularism has been criticised on the following grounds :

• Indian Secularism is not absolute : Under the Indian Constitution, Right to freedom of religion is given to every person. But the Right to freedom of religion is not absolute. Article 25 permits the State 
• to regulate economic, financial or other secular activities which may be associated with religious practice.
• Rights of Minorities : Under the Indian Constitution, minorities are given certain rights. In the name of minority rights, State can unjustly interfere in Hindu religious affairs.
• Meaning of Secularism not clear : In India, the real meaning of Secularism is not clear. People with different ideas try to colour the picture of Secularism in India. They try to impose their particular conceptions in regard to these matters with disastrous effects on own young nationhood.
• Continuance of religious observances in official functions : Ministers usually take oath with some rituals of their religion. Inauguration of ships, institutions, etc., is done through vedic hymns or mantras; Brahmins are called to perform rituals. When President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a devoted Hindu, took part in so many religious functions, it was difficult for an average Muslim to believe that the Indian State was Secular.