GS Question

The Indian concept of secularism differs from the western model in several ways. The main difference lies in the approach towards religion and state relations.

1. Relationship between religion and state: In the western model, there is a clear separation between religion and state. The government remains neutral and does not officially endorse any particular religion. On the contrary, in the Indian concept of secularism, the state maintains a relationship with religion. India follows a policy of "sarva dharma sambhava," which means equal respect for all religions. The state doesn't distance itself from religion but rather acknowledges and respects all faiths.

2. Religious freedom: Both the Indian and western models emphasize religious freedom. However, India's constitution goes beyond mere freedom of worship. It guarantees individuals and religious groups the right to manage their own religious affairs, including the right to establish religious educational institutions. This allows for more autonomy for different religious communities in India.

3. State intervention in religious matters: While the western model mostly keeps state and religion separate, the Indian model allows for state intervention in religious matters. This is primarily to ensure social welfare and promote equality. For instance, the Indian government has made laws to ban untouchability and caste-based discrimination within religious practices. It also aims to provide reservation quotas for historically marginalized communities within religious institutions, like in the case of the scheduled castes and tribes.

4. Uniform Civil Code: Another important distinction is the concept of personal laws in India. India follows different personal laws for different religious communities regarding matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. The western model, on the other hand, advocates for a uniform civil code that applies equally to all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. The idea of implementing a uniform civil code in India has been debated for years but is yet to be implemented.

5. State support for religion: In the western model, the separation of religion and state implies no financial support from the government to religious institutions. However, in India, the state provides financial aid to places of worship, religious festivals, and pilgrimage sites to ensure equal support for all religions. This support is aimed at maintaining communal harmony and preserving cultural heritage.

Overall, the Indian concept of secularism diverges from the western model by acknowledging, respecting, and maintaining a relationship with religious diversity. It seeks to promote religious freedom, while also allowing for state intervention to ensure social welfare and equal treatment.