Question

The term ‘Socialist’ was brought into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by which amendment?
1. 32^nd
2. 42^nd
3. 44^th
4. 74^th

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 42^nd

The correct answer is 42^nd.

• 42^nd Amendment
  • The 42nd amendment was enacted during the Emergency (25 June 1975 – 21 March 1977) by the Indian National Congress government headed by Indira Gandhi.
  • Most provisions of the amendment came into effect on 3 January 1977, others were enforced from 1 February and Section 27 came into force on 1 April 1977.
  • The 42nd Amendment is regarded as the most controversial constitutional amendment in history.
  • It attempted to reduce the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to pronounce upon the constitutional validity of laws.
  • It laid down the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens to the nation.
  • This amendment brought about the most widespread changes to the Constitution in its history.
  • The 42nd Amendment also amended Preamble and changed the description of India from "sovereign democratic republic" to a "sovereign, socialist secular democratic republic", and also changed the words "unity of the nation" to "unity and integrity of the nation".

• 44^th Amendment
  • The 44^th amendment of the Constitution was enacted by the Janata Government mainly to nullify some of the amendments made by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
  • It made wide-scale changes to the Indian Constitution to make the Indian polity more democratic.
  • Changes Made
    • Constitutional protection to publication in a newspaper of the proceedings of the Parliament and State Legislatures.
    • Empowered president to send back advice of the council of minister for reconsideration.
• 74^th Amendment
  • The 74th constitutional amendment act mandated the setting up and devolution of powers to Urban local bodies (ULBs) or city governments as the lowest unit of governance in cities and towns.
  • This landmark initiative of the Government of India in 1993 was built upon the premise that all ‘power’ in a democracy rightfully belongs to ‘the people.
  • Power was mandated to be given to the people via the local bodies (referred to as municipalities), namely Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, which would have representatives that are elected regularly and have a decisive role in planning, provision and delivery of services.