The Preamble's promise to promote 'fraternity' is essential for India's diverse society. Which constitutional mechanism best operationalizes this commitment?
- Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
- Reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC in education, employment
- Fundamental Duties reminding citizens of responsibilities towards national unity
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Fraternity operationalization in Constitution: (a) Abolition of untouchability (Article 17): (i) Removes caste-based discrimination, enabling social dignity, mutual respect across castes, (ii) Foundation for social fraternity by eliminating practice that divided society, (b) Reservation policies: (i) Affirmative action for SC/ST/OBC addresses historical disadvantage, enabling substantive equality, (ii) Promotes fraternity by ensuring marginalized groups feel included, valued in national project, (c) Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): (i) Remind citizens of responsibilities: Promote harmony, renounce practices derogatory to women's dignity, value composite culture, (ii) Foster constitutional culture, civic responsibility essential for social fraternity, (d) Interconnection: (i) Legal equality (Article 17) enables social inclusion, (ii) Affirmative action (reservation) enables economic participation, reducing inequality-based divisions, (iii) Civic responsibility (Fundamental Duties) fosters mutual respect, shared constitutional identity, (e) Illustrates comprehensive fraternity: Preamble's fraternity promise operationalized through multiple constitutional mechanisms; balance between rights protection, affirmative action, civic responsibility essential for social harmony in diverse India.