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It is, therefore, proposed to amend the Constitution to spell out
expressly the high ideals of socialism... .. .. ..to make the directive
principles more comprehensive.. ... ... ..."
What does a Socialist Republic imply? Socialism is a much misunderstood
word. Values determine contemporary socialism pure and simple. But it is
not necessary at this stage to go into all its ramifications. The principal
aim of a socialist State is to eliminate inequality in income and status and
standards of life. The basic framework of socialism is to provide a decent
standard of life to the working people and especially provide security from
cradle to grave. This amongst others on economic side envisaged economic
equality and equitable distribution of income. This is a blend of Marxism
and Gandhism leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism. During the
formative years, socialism aims at providing all opportunities for pursuing
the educational activity. For want of wherewithal or financial equipment
the opportunity to be fully educated shall not be denied. Ordinarily,
therefore, a socialist State provides for free education from primary to Ph.
D. but the pursuit must be by those who have the necessary intelligent
quotient and not as in our society where a brainy young man coming from
a poor family will not be able to prosecute the education for want of
wherewithal while the ill equipped son or daughter of a well to do father
will enter the portals of higher education and contribute to national
wastage. After the education is completed, socialism aims at equality in
pursuit of excellence in the chosen avocation without let or hindrance of
caste, colour, sex or religion and with full opportunity to reach the top not
thwarted by any considerations of status, social or otherwise. But even
here the less equipped person shall be assured a decent minimum standard
of life and exploitation in any form shall be eschewed. There will be
equitable distribution of national cake and the worst off shall be treated in
such a manner as to push them up the ladder. Then comes the old age in
the life of everyone, be he a monarch or a mahatma, a worker or a pariah.
The old age overtakes each one, death being the fulfilment of life providing
freedom. from bondage. But here socialism aims at providing an economic
security to those who have rendered unto society what they were capable
of doing when they were fully equipped with their mental and physical
prowess. In the fall of life the State shall ensure to the citizens a
reasonably decent standard of life, medical aid, freedom from want,
freedom from fear and the enjoyable leisure, relieving the boredom and the
humility of dependence in old age. This is what Article 41 aims when it
enjoins the State to secure public assistance in old age, sickness and
disablement. It was such a socialist State which the Preamble directs the
HC-NIC Page 26 of 34 Created On Sat Jun 11 02:37:30 IST 2016
C/SCA/9192/2014 JUDGMENT
centres of power Legislative, Executive and Judiciary to strive to set up.
From a wholly feudal exploited slave society to a vibrant, throbbing
socialist welfare society is a long march but during this journey to the
fulfilment of goal every State action (illegible) taken must be directed, and
must be so interpreted, as to take the society one step towards the goal."