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SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 27

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level - 1 Aug 2022 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q27

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Which Constitutional amendment added the words, Socialist and Secular in the Preamble?

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Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976.

  • The words "socialist" and "secular" were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, during the Emergency under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • The term ‘socialist’ was added to underscore socialism as an objective of the Indian state—prioritizing poverty alleviation and embracing a tailored form of socialism that allows nationalization only where essential.
  • Similarly, ‘secular’ was inserted to affirm India’s equal treatment of all religions, ensuring the state remains neutral and does not favor any faith.
  • The Preamble to the Constitution of India is a concise introductory declaration that outlines the document’s fundamental purposes and principles, and signifies that its authority is derived from the people. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.