The vision of the Preamble, with its emphasis on Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, has significantly influenced the policies and laws enacted in independent India. Here are some examples illustrating how this vision has been realized:
1. Justice:
- Social Justice:
- Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17): This constitutional provision, reinforced by the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989,1 aims to eradicate social discrimination based on caste.
- Reservation Policies: Policies providing reservations in educational institutions and government jobs for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)2 aim to address historical disadvantages and promote social inclusion.
- Economic Justice:
- Land Reforms: Post-independence land reforms, including the abolition of intermediaries and tenancy reforms, aimed to redistribute land and reduce economic inequalities in rural areas.
- Minimum Wages Act, 1948: This Act ensures a minimum wage for workers, protecting them from exploitation and ensuring a basic standard of living.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005: This Act guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, providing livelihood security and reducing poverty.
- Political Justice:
- Universal Adult Suffrage: The Constitution guarantees the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18, ensuring equal participation in the political process.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, established Panchayati Raj Institutions, empowering local communities to participate in governance and decision-making.
2. Liberty:
- Fundamental Rights (Part III): The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including:
- Article 19 (Freedom of Speech and Expression): This guarantees the right to express one’s views and opinions freely, subject to reasonable restrictions.
- Article 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty): This guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include various aspects of human dignity and personal autonomy.
- Right to Information Act, 2005: This Act empowers citizens to access information from government bodies, promoting transparency and accountability and enhancing freedom of expression.
3. Equality:
- Article 14 (Equality before Law): This guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally by the state.
- Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination): This prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, promoting equality of opportunity for all.
- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: This Act provides for equal pay for equal work for both men and women, promoting gender equality in the workplace.
4. Fraternity:
- Promotion of National Integration: Various government initiatives and policies aim to promote national integration and harmony among different communities.
- Protection of Minority Rights: The Constitution and various laws provide safeguards for the rights of religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring their inclusion and participation in national life.
- Promotion of Inter-faith Dialogue: Initiatives promoting inter-faith dialogue and understanding aim to foster mutual respect and harmony among different religious groups.
Conclusion:
The vision of the Preamble has been a guiding force behind many of the policies and laws enacted in independent India. These initiatives aim to create a just, equitable, and harmonious society where all citizens enjoy basic rights and freedoms. While challenges remain in fully realizing the ideals of the Preamble, the progress made so far demonstrates the enduring influence of this foundational document in shaping the Indian nation.