GK Question

polity hard mcq

The Preamble's 'Socialist' commitment (added by 42nd Amendment) reflects India's adoption of democratic socialism. Which policy approach best aligns with this commitment?

  1. Complete state ownership of all means of production
  2. Mixed economy with state regulation, welfare measures, and private enterprise
  3. Unregulated free market capitalism with minimal state intervention
  4. Theocratic economic planning based on religious principles

Answer: Mixed economy with state regulation, welfare measures, and private enterprise

Socialist commitment in Preamble: (a) Democratic socialism: Not Marxist socialism (state ownership of all production) but democratic socialism with: (i) Mixed economy: Public and private sectors coexist, (ii) State regulation: Prevent exploitation, ensure fair competition, protect consumers, workers, (iii) Welfare measures: Social security, public health, education, poverty alleviation, (b) Constitutional operationalization: (i) Directive Principles (Articles 38-48): Guide state policy towards socialistic pattern of society, (ii) Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): Remind citizens of responsibilities towards collective welfare, (iii) Fundamental Rights: Balance individual liberty with social justice, (c) Applications: (i) Economic reforms (1991): Liberalization within democratic socialist framework - market mechanisms with social safeguards, (ii) Welfare schemes: MGNREGA, NFSA, Ayushman Bharat operationalize socialist commitment through inclusive development, (iii) Regulatory framework: SEBI, RBI, CCI regulate markets to prevent exploitation, ensure fair competition, (d) Contrast with other models: (i) Marxist socialism: Complete state ownership - not India's model, (ii) Free market capitalism: Minimal state role - not India's model, (iii) Theocratic economics: Religious principles guide economy - not India's secular model, (e) Illustrates adaptive socialism: Preamble's socialist commitment operationalized through evolving economic policies; balance between market efficiency and social justice essential to Indian democratic socialism.

Topic Preamble - Socialist Commitment and Economic Policy
Exam Relevance Preamble socialist commitment critical for UPSC Mains and Economics-Polity overlap exams