Vision Set of Our Constitution Chapter Notes | Civics Class 8 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

•  Just like every book begins with an introduction or preface, our Constitution also has one — called the Preamble. It acts as the opening statement of the Constitution, outlining its goals and purposes. 
•  The Preamble expresses a commitment to ensuring freedom of thought, speech, belief, faith, and worship. 
•  It also aims to provide equal status and opportunities to everyone and encourages a sense of brotherhood among citizens, upholding individual dignity and national unity. 

The Preamble to Our Constitution

Sovereign

• India is independent and not controlled by any external or internal power.
• The will of the people is supreme in a sovereign nation.

Socialist

• Socialism focuses on reducing economic and social inequalities.
• The state works to redistribute wealth for fairness.
• Aims include removing inequalities, providing basic necessities, and ensuring equal pay for equal work.

Secular

• A secular state is neutral in religious matters, neither promoting nor opposing any religion.
• Every citizen can follow and practice their religion freely.
• The state does not discriminate based on religion.
• Secularism separates religion from state power to ensure democratic functioning.
• It prevents the majority religion from misusing power against minorities.
• Strategies for secularism include:
  • Treating all religions equally without favoring any.
  • Non-interference in religious practices while respecting all beliefs.
  • Intervening when needed to support social or cultural growth, like aiding religious communities to run educational institutions.
  • Ensuring no religious group dominates another.
  • Protecting individuals within a religious group from internal domination.

Democratic

• Democracy means government by the people, for the people, and of the people.
• Citizens elect their government at local, state, and national levels through universal adult franchise.
• The government is accountable and responsible to the people.

Republic

• In a republic, power lies with representatives elected by citizens.
• The President, the head of the country, is indirectly elected for a fixed term.

Ideals Transformed into Law

• The Preamble's ideals (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity) are made practical through laws.
• These ideals are enshrined in Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties.
• Fundamental Rights make these ideals enforceable and clear for all citizens.
• The ideals guide lawmakers and those working with the Constitution.

Fundamental Rights

• Fundamental Rights are basic rights for all citizens to ensure a good and healthy life.
• These rights are enforceable, meaning citizens can approach the Supreme Court if they are violated.

Right to Equality

• No discrimination by the state based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• All citizens are equal before the law, with no special privileges for anyone.
• Ensures access to public places for all citizens.
• Provides equal opportunities in public employment.
• Abolishes untouchability and the use of titles.
• Exceptions include reservations for women and special provisions for socially and economically backward classes.

Right to Freedom

• Freedom of Speech and Expression: Citizens can express thoughts through speech, writing, or media, and criticize government policies.
• Freedom to Assemble: Citizens can gather peacefully without weapons for discussions or celebrations.
• Freedom to Form Associations or Unions: Citizens can form groups like trade unions or cultural societies.
• Freedom of Movement: Citizens can travel freely across India.
• Freedom to Reside and Settle: Citizens can live and settle anywhere in India.
• Freedom to Choose a Profession or Occupation: Citizens can choose any profession or job.

Right against Exploitation

• Protects citizens from all forms of exploitation.
• Prohibits forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour.
• Citizens can approach courts if forced to work without wages or against their will.

Right to Freedom of Religion

• All religions are equal in India, a secular state.
• Every citizen can practice, profess, and propagate their religion freely.

Cultural and Educational Rights

• All citizens have equal rights to education and culture.
• Children can study in any institution without discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, or sex.
• Citizens can preserve and promote their culture freely.

Right to Constitutional Remedies

• Allows citizens to approach courts if any Fundamental Right is violated.
• This right protects all other Fundamental Rights.

Right to Education

• Ensures individual freedom and empowerment through education.
• Promotes overall development of individuals.
• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2010) makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years.

Fundamental Rights as Human Rights

• India has been active in global human rights efforts since 1946, as a member of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
• CHR was replaced by the UN Human Rights Council in 2006.
• India contributed to drafting the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Case Study: Child Labour in India

• Child labour involves work that is harmful to children’s mental, physical, social, or moral well-being.
• It prevents children from attending school and enjoying a healthy childhood.
• Employing children under 14 years is illegal and punishable by fines or jail.
• Child labour is common, especially in households where children work as servants.
• Constitutional laws and provisions aim to protect children from exploitation.

Directive Principles of State Policy

• These are guidelines for the government to create a just social order.
• They focus on social, economic, and political justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• They are not legally enforceable but are fundamental to governance.
• Categories include:
  • Economic Principles: Focus on economic fairness and resource distribution.
  • Gandhian Principles: Reflect Gandhi’s ideals like self-reliance and village development.
  • Principles for Law, Justice, and Administration: Guide legal and administrative reforms.

Fundamental Duties

• Added by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
• Citizens must perform these duties to fully enjoy their rights.

The Ten Fundamental Duties:

• Respecting the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
• Following the noble ideals of the freedom struggle.
• Protecting India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
• Defending the country and serving when needed.
• Promoting harmony and brotherhood among all citizens.
• Valuing India’s composite culture and heritage.
• Protecting and improving the natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife).
• Developing scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and reform.
• Safeguarding public property and avoiding violence.
• Striving for excellence in individual and collective activities.