Secularism is a principle or ideology that advocates for separating religious institutions and beliefs from the affairs of the state, government, or public institutions. 

According to Akeel Bilgrami, Secularism consists of three commitments

1. Freedom of religious belief and practice.
2. Principles enshrined in the constitution such as equality, freedom of speech, gender equality 
3. Meta-commitment, which says if there is a clash between the first and second commitments, the second commitment must get priority.

Quotes

1. Indira Gandhi: Secularism is not an import or a mere matter of Western education. It is indigenous to India and has been part of our heritage for centuries.”
2. Shashi Tharoor: “Indian secularism has always been the idea of India. This idea of India is that it is not just a country; it’s an idea, a pluralistic idea.”
3. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Secularism is not confined merely to political democracy but goes much beyond that. It is a political, social and cultural process.”
4. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: “For a successful revolution, we need more than just democracy. We need a spirit of inclusiveness and secularism.”

Secularism under the Indian constitution

1. Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It ensures that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on these grounds.
2. Article 16: Guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and prevents discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence.
3. Article 25-28: Ensures the freedom of religion, allowing individuals to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. 
4. Article 28 – It guarantees the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
5. Article 29 and 30 provide cultural and educational rights to minorities.
6. Article 44: Encourages the state to secure for its citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. The idea behind this is to promote a common set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
7. Article 51A: Fundamental duty to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood and to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

Significance of secularism

1. Religious Pluralism: Secularism in India is crucial for maintaining social harmony and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups.
2. Protection of Individual Rights: Secularism promotes the idea that individuals should be free to practice their religion or hold secular beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution. It protects the rights of individuals to express their diverse religious or non-religious identities without interference from the state.
3. Constitutional Framework: Secularism is a fundamental feature of the Indian Constitution. It is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble, and various articles uphold the principles of religious equality, freedom of religion, and non-discrimination based on religious grounds.
4. Equality and Inclusion: It helps prevent favoritism towards any particular religious group, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally regardless of their religious affiliations. This contributes to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
5. Protection of Minority Rights: The Constitution guarantees the right to establish and administer educational institutions for religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring that minority communities have the freedom to preserve and promote their distinct cultural and religious identity.
6. Prevention of Religious Discrimination: By separating religious institutions from political power, it discourages the imposition of religious beliefs on the entire population and promotes tolerance and acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
7. Promotion of Rational Governance: A secular approach encourages governments to base their policies on rational, evidence-based considerations rather than religious dogma. Further, by prioritizing reason and evidence over dogma, secular societies tend to be more open to advancements in education, science, and technology.
8. Political Inclusivity by discouraging the use of religion as a basis for political mobilization. It aims to create a political environment where leaders and parties appeal to a broad cross-section of society rather than focusing on narrow religious constituencies.

Western vs Indian secularism

Western secularism	Indian secularism
Implies a clear and distinct division between religious institutions and governmental affairs. Eg- the French laïcité model bans religious symbols in public institutions.	Represents the positive notion of secularism, wherein equal reverence is accorded to all religious beliefs.
Evolved during the European Renaissance as a response to widespread corruption in the Church and undue interference in state matters.	It originated in the ancient Vedic era and is grounded on religious pluralism (Sarva Dharma Samabhav and Dharma Nirapekshata.)
Equal distance model – religion is generally seen as a private matter, and the state aims to maintain equal distance from all religious institutions.	Principled distance model – recognizes the importance of religion in society and aims to accommodate diverse religious beliefs and practices. It involves state support for religious communities and the promotion of religious pluralism.
Individual rights take precedence in Western secularism.	Extends beyond individual rights to also address the concerns and rights of religious and cultural minority communities.
It does not accommodate the notion of state-sponsored religious reform.	It is in harmony with the concept of state-sponsored religious reform. Eg- Article 17, Triple Talaq Ban

Criticism of and Threats to Indian Secularism

1. Selective Secularism: There are instances where the state has been accused of favoring certain religious communities, leading to a lack of true equality among religious groups. The surge of religious nationalism in recent times has given rise to incidents such as mob lynching.
2. Minority Appeasement particularly during elections. This has led to concerns about vote-bank politics, where political parties allegedly cater to specific religious groups for electoral gains. The politicization of a particular religious group sparks competitive politicization among other groups, leading to interreligious conflicts.
3. Religious Intervention in State Matters: Critics argue that the Indian state has, at times, involved itself too much in religious matters, such as managing and funding religious institutions. Eg- The government’s control over Hindu temples in some states.
4. Lack of a Uniform Civil Code: Critics argue that personal laws based on religious affiliations contribute to inequalities and perpetuate a fragmented legal system.
5. Rise of Communal Tensions: Some critics argue that the state has not been effective enough in preventing and addressing such conflicts, leading to questions about the success of Indian secularism in fostering true religious harmony.
6. Inadequate Protection of Freedom of Speech: In certain instances, there have been criticisms that Indian secularism has been used to curb freedom of speech and expression, particularly when it comes to criticism or satire of religious beliefs. 
7. Ineffectiveness in Addressing Social Issues: Critics argue that despite its commitment to social justice, Indian secularism has not been entirely effective in addressing deep-rooted social issues, such as caste discrimination.
8. Need for k Reinterpretation: Some scholars and thinkers suggest that the concept of secularism in India needs reinterpretation to align with contemporary challenges and to ensure a more inclusive and fair application across diverse religious communities.

Scholar views

1. Rajeev Bhargava has critiqued the concept of “principled distance” in Indian secularism, arguing that it may not be sufficient in addressing the complex issues arising from religious diversity. He emphasizes the need for a more nuanced and context-specific approach.
2. Ashis Nandy has expressed concerns about the potential for secularism to become a form of cultural imperialism, imposing Western values on diverse cultural and religious traditions in India. He argues for a more culturally sensitive approach.
3. T. N. Madan has highlighted issues such as the persistence of caste-based discrimination and the tensions between individual rights and community rights. He suggests a need for reevaluation and adaptation.
4. Martha Nussbaum has highlighted concerns about the inadequacy of secularism in addressing issues related to gender justice in India. She argues that a more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure the protection of women’s rights within diverse religious communities.
5. Asghar Ali Engineer, while advocating for interfaith dialogue, has criticized the lack of concrete measures in Indian secularism to address the socio-economic disparities faced by religious minorities. He emphasizes the need for more inclusive policies.

SC judgments related to secularism

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala – the Supreme Court of India held that secularism is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
2. S.R Bommai v. Union of India – The principle laid down in the Kesavananda Bharati case was reiterated. The Supreme Court cleared the doubt over the word ‘secularism’ in the Constitution. The Court held that the secular nature of a society does not make it an atheist society. Secularism makes society more heterogeneous. 
3. Ahmedabad St. Xavier’s College v. State of Gujarat – the Supreme Court held that secularism neither means anti-God nor pro-God. Secularism, therefore, eliminates the concept of God in matters of the state.
4. Stanislaus Rev v. State of MP- The High Court of Madhya Pradesh, explained that freedom of ‘profession’ means one’s right to state in public the creed he belongs to. Moreover, the Court said that freedom of ‘practice’ means one’s right to worship in private or public. It was further explained that the right to propagate one’s religion gives one the right to convey his/her religious beliefs to another individual but not to convert a person to one’s religion.
5. Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala– preventing the women in their “menstruating years” from entering the Sabarimala temple as per the religious custom, violates women’s constitutionally protected fundamental rights to equality. The dissent of Justice Indu Malhotra has raised doubts regarding the extent to which established religious practices can be challenged based on equality.

Way forward

1. Promote Inclusive Policies ensuring that the rights of all religious communities, as well as non-religious individuals, are protected without favoritism.
2. Empower Marginalized Groups including women and religious minorities, through affirmative action and targeted policies to address historical injustices and socio-economic disparities.
3. Strengthen Legal Frameworks that ensure gender justice, protect individual rights, and promote uniform civil laws to minimize disparities arising from different personal laws. Eg- Uniform Civil Code
4. Integrate curriculum modules on religious tolerance and cultural diversity into educational institutions to foster a culture of respect for diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
5. Encourage Interfaith Dialogue to promote understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different religious communities, fostering social harmony.
6. Address Communal Tensions by promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and understanding. This can be done through community policing initiatives and rapid response teams
7. Ensure Political Neutrality in religious matters by discouraging the use of religious identity for electoral gains. Encourage political leaders to focus on inclusive governance rather than divisive religious appeals.
8. Safeguard freedom of speech and expression while also promoting responsible discourse, ensuring that it does not incite religious hatred or violence. Balancing individual rights with societal harmony is crucial.
9. Extend the principles of secularism to address broader issues of social justice, including caste-based discrimination, economic disparities, and other forms of marginalization.

PYQ

1. Growing feelings of regionalism are an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. (2013)   

2. What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that the unequal distribution of benefits of development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. (2016)   

3. Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? (2016)     

4. In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (2017)      

5. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (2018) 

6. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (2020)

Introduction to Regionalism

Definition

Region is generally defined as “a homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics distinct from those of neighbouring areas”. Region provides the basis for the emergence of regional identity. It results in loyalty towards the region and ultimately takes the shape and form of regionalism. 

The term regionalism has two connotations:

1. In a negative sense, it is excessive attachment to one’s region in preference to country or state. It can threaten nation-building efforts such as the demand for Khalistan in Punjab which is giving rise to terrorism and violence within and outside Punjab. As a process it plays a role within the nation as well as outside it i.e. at the international level.
2. In a positive sense, it means people’s love for their region, culture, language etc., with a view to maintain their independent identity. Positive regionalism encourages people to develop a sense of brotherhood and commonness on the basis of common language, religion or historical background. Ex: Creation of state of Jharkhand.

What is not regionalism

1. Local patriotism and loyalty to a locality or region or state and its language and culture do not constitute regionalism nor are they disruptive to the nation. They are quite consistent with national patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
2. To have pride in one’s region or state is also not regionalism. A person can be conscious of his or her distinct regional identity of being a Tamil or a Punjabi, a Bengali or a Gujarati without being any the less proud of being an Indian, or being hostile to people from other regions.
3. Aspiring to or making special efforts to develop one’s state or region or to remove poverty and implement social justice there, is not to be branded as regionalism. In fact, a certain inter-regional rivalry around the achievement of such positive goals would be quite healthy, in fact we have too little of it.
4. Defending the federal features of the constitution is also not to be seen as regionalism. The demand for a separate state within the Indian Union or for an autonomous region within an existing state, or for devolution of power below the state level is also not regionalist.

Historical Context of Regionalism in India

1. Pre- independence: The politics of regionalism started with the implementation of constitutional reforms under Government of India Acts of 1909, 1919, and 1935. The establishment and role of the Justice Party in Chennai, in pre- independence period are examples of emerging regionalism in India.
2. Dravidian movement: It was also known as self-respect movement and it initially focused on empowering Dalits, non- Brahmins, and poor people. Later it stood against the imposition of Hindi as the sole official language in non-Hindi speaking areas. But it was the demand of carving out their own Dravida Nadu, which made it a secessionist movement. The movement, however, declined and today the movement has given birth to several prominent regional parties after many splits and factionalism.
3. Linguistic reorganisation of states: In the 1950s and 1960s, intense ethnic mass mobilisation, with a violent character, was the main force for creation of states on linguistic basis. Started with the Potti Sriramulu movement in AP and spread to all parts of the country. Culminated in formation of SRC and linguistic division of States.
4. North-east: In 1970s and 1980s, the main focus of reorganisation was India’s North-east. The basis of reorganisation was tribal insurgency for separation and statehood. North-eastern States Reorganisation Act, 1971 upgraded the Union Territories of Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya to full statehood, and Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (then tribal districts) to Union Territories.
5. Khalistan movement: It was during the 1980s that Khalistan movement with its aim to create a Sikh homeland cropped up in the Punjab. Thus this movement falls more in the category of a separatist movement. Apart from this, there have been several other secessionist movements namely, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.
6. Creation of new States in 2000: In the creation of three new states in 2000, namely Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand, language did not play a prominent role. Rather, a combination of ethnicity based on tribal identity, language, regional deprivation and ecology provided the basis for intense regionalism resulting in statehood.
7. Telangana movement: In the years after the formation of Andhra Pradesh state, people of Telangana expressed dissatisfaction over how the agreements and guarantees were implemented. Discontent with the 1956 Gentleman’s agreement intensified in January 1969, when the guarantees that had been agreed on were supposed to lapse. It led to creation of Telangana in 2008.

Constitutional Provisions

1. The 73rd and 74th amendment acts addressed the regional aspiration by devolving power and resources to be used as per regional needs.
2. The regions under 5th and 6th Schedule enjoy certain autonomy which give them scope to maintain their own culture and develop according to their own need.
3. The provision of PESA Act, 1996 is a step towards reconciling with the regional aspirations.
4. Art. 371 has special provisions helpful in addressing concerns of some states.

Factors Contributing to Regionalism

1. Geographical: After independence, people often associated their regional identity with specific geographical boundaries. The integration of Princely States led to the merger of smaller states into larger new states, causing a conflict of loyalties among citizens. Ex-The integration of Hyderabad State into Andhra Pradesh in 1956 led to prolonged agitation and eventual creation of Telangana in 2014.
2. Historical Factors: History supported regionalism with cultural heritage, folklore, myths and symbolism. The most striking example is that of Dravida Kazhagam (DK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Telugu Desam (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity : Language is a crucial marker of group identity, expressing the shared life, thoughts, and values of a community. It unites people and motivates collective efforts toward a common future. Ex: The formation of linguistic states in India, such as Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers in 1953, demonstrated how language can unify people and drive regional development.
4. Caste and religion: Tamil regionalism gained ground as a result of non-Brahmin movement. Non-Brahmin castes of Tamil speaking region had been able to provide a powerful united thrust against Brahmins 
5. Economic Disparities: it is the crux of regional politics. The resources are limited while the demand for resources for the development of various regions is unlimited. Unequal Distribution of Developmental Benefits(Economic Marginalisation) have led to regional imbalances and wide economic disparities. This is the reason why movements of separate Uttarakhand state in the hill districts of UP, a Jharkhand state carved out of parts of Bihar and the demand of the state of Bodoland comprising a part of Assam are taking place.
6. Political Aspirations: Politics as such does not create regionalism. It only accentuates regionalism. Ex: Sons of soil movement in Maharashtra. Regional political parties like TDP (Andhra Pradesh), DMK (Tamil Nadu), Akali Dal (Punjab) have been surviving because of regional sentiments.

Types of Regionalism

1. Supra-State Regionalism: Supra-state regionalism involves shared interests among people residing in multiple states, working towards promoting regional autonomy and local agendas. It suggests that a larger state with common interests has higher chances of success than smaller states. E.g. North Eastern states in India.
2. Inter-State Regionalism: Inter-state regionalism creates divisions among two or more states, often due to territorial and identity-related factors. It can undermine the interests of certain groups within the states involved.E.g. Disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the distribution of Kaveri water.
3. Intra-State Regionalism: Intra-state regionalism emerges when a specific region or state seeks autonomy, self-identity, and self-reliance. It can be seen as a positive form of regionalism as it promotes self-dependence for the region. E.g. Saurashtra in Gujarat, East U.P. in Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra etc.

Regional aspirations in the NorthEast

1. Demands For Autonomy:
   • At independence the entire region except Manipur and Tripura comprised the State of Assam. Demands for political autonomy arose when non-Assamese felt that the Assam government was imposing Assamese language on them.
   • Even post completion of reorganization of NE in 1972, demands for autonomy didn’t end. In Assam, communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas demanded separate States. Karbis and Dimasas have been granted autonomy under District Councils while Bodos were granted Autonomous Council within constitutional provisions.
2. Secessionist movements
   • Assam: The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) is a separatist outfit operating in Assam. It seeks to establish a sovereign Assam with an armed struggle.
   • Nagaland: Led by Phizo, a section of Nagas declared independence from India in 1951. The problem in Nagaland still continues.
   • Mizoram: After independence a movement for secession in Mizo hills gained popular support. Two decades of insurgency led by Mizo National Front (MNF) ended after a peace agreement in 1986.
3. Movements against outsiders
   • Large scale migration into the north-east gave rise to a special kind of problem that pitted ‘local’ communities against people who were seen as ‘outsiders’ or migrants. These latecomers are seen as encroachers on scarce resources.
   • The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 led by All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) is the best example of such movements against ‘outsiders’. Assamese suspected that there were huge numbers of illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh.
   • Hostility of local population to Chakma refugees in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
   • Demands for the inner line permit system (ILPS) and the associated violence in Manipur is another example of movement against outsiders.

Impact of Regionalism

Positive Impacts of Regionalism

1. Decentralised Governance due to creation of Smaller States. Eg: The creation of smaller states like Telangana and Uttarakhand required the establishment of new administrative structures to govern these regions effectively.
2. Emergence of New Regional Political Parties: The rise of new regional political parties, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), driven by regionalism, advocating for separate regions or states.
3. Focus on Specific Regional Problems: The formation of regional parties provides an opportunity to address and prioritise region-specific issues and challenges. Eg: The Shiv Sena in Maharashtra emerged to address the concerns of Marathi-speaking people, particularly related to job opportunities and cultural preservation.
4. Healthy Competition among the states: Regionalism often encourages a sense of competition for growth among different states.
5. Cultural Expression: celebration and preservation of distinct cultural traditions, languages, and practices, enriching the national tapestry. Eg: Festivals like Durga Puja in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Baisakhi in Punjab.
6. Linguistic Diversity: India’s linguistic variety is a testament to its regional diversity, with each state often having its own official language and literary heritage. Eg: States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Bengal promote Kannada, Marathi, and Bengali languages, respectively.
7. Economic Development as states prioritize industries and policies that align with their unique resources and needs. Eg: Gujarat’s focus on industrialization and Maharashtra’s emphasis on financial services reflect regional economic strategies.

Negative Impacts of Regionalism

1. Undermining National Unity: Regionalism can undermine national integration, as loyalty and allegiance to a specific region may overshadow loyalty to the nation. E.g.Secessionist Movements (Demand for greater Nagaland).
2. Weakening of National Institutions: It can weaken national institutions and governance structures potentially leading to challenges in effective governance and decision-making.
3. Secessionist Movements: Extreme forms of regionalism can lead to demands for autonomy or secession, threatening the integrity of the nation. Eg: The Khalistan movement in Punjab and separatist demands in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Inter-State Conflicts: Regionalism can lead to disputes between states over resources, boundaries, and political dominance. Eg: The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
5. Political Fragmentation: The coalition government led by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) often had to balance regional party interests. Eg- TMC’s stand on Teesta Water Dispute with Bangladesh
6. Economic Disparities: Regionalism can exacerbate economic inequalities between states, with more developed regions advancing faster than less developed ones. Eg: The economic gap between states like Maharashtra and BIMARU states.
7. Political Fragmentation: Rise of regional parties hasa led to political instability and hinderd national policy-making. Eg: UPA government often faced challenges in balancing regional demands with national interests.
8. Bargaining Federalism: Regional parties sometimes leverage their position to extract concessions from the central government, leading to fragmented policy decisions. 
9. Funding Imbalances: Disparities in resource allocation and dependency on central transfers lead to financial instability in states. Eg- Kerala’s case in SC against centre on Net Ceiling Limit
10. Resource Allocation Conflicts: Conflicts over resources like water and boundaries persist, challenging regional harmony. Eg: Ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
11. Cultural and Linguistic Tensions: Recognition of regional identities sometimes leads to exclusionary practices and tensions. Eg: Language-based movements marginalize non-native speakers in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu etc.
12. Effect on International Relations, evident in issues like Tamil Nadu’s concerns with Sri Lanka and West Bengal’s dispute with Bangladesh over the sharing of Teesta River water.

Is Regionalism a Threat to National Integration?

1. Coexistence and Development: Regionalism and national integration can coexist, emphasising development.
2. Federal and Democratic System: A federal and democratic political system reconciles regionalism and national integration.
3. Preserving National Solidarity: Regionalism, when managed well, does not disrupt national solidarity.
4. Strengthening Federalism: Regionalism enhances federalism through equal regional partnership.
5. Decentralization of Power: Regionalism reduces centralization, empowering states.
6. Inevitability in a Diverse Nation: Regionalism is natural and inevitable in diverse countries like India.
7. Fundamental to Federalism: Regionalism is foundational to federalism, respecting regional identities.

Government Efforts to promote National Integrity

1. North-Eastern Council (NEC): It was set up in 1971 to provide a forum for inter-state coordination, regional planning and integrated development of the region to avoid intra-regional disparities.
2. Schemes to promote Nationalism: Schemes like “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” have been launched to promote the country’s cultural diversity and increase inhabitants’ feelings of national togetherness.
3. State Reorganisation Act of 1956: Zonal councils to promote the interest of different geographic zones.
4. Federal Institution:
   • New institutional structures like NITI Aayog have been established to ensure federal equilibrium.
   • Interstate Council: It was established to make the Interstate Council Secretariat a thriving institution that supports coordination and cooperation between the Centre and States in India.
   • GST Council: Promote financial federalism and take all stakeholders on board.

Way Forward:

1. Targeted Investments: Prioritize equitable development through targeted policies and investments in underdeveloped regions. Eg: Implementing region-specific development programs and ensuring effective utilization of allocated funds.
2. Strengthening Federalism: Foster cooperative federalism by enhancing collaboration between central and state governments on regional issues. Eg: Regular and effective use of platforms like the Inter-State Council and NITI Aayog.
3. Resolving Resource Conflicts: Establish impartial mechanisms to mediate and resolve inter-state resource disputes. Eg: Strengthening the role of tribunals and promoting water-sharing agreements.
4. Promoting Inclusive Identity: Encourage an inclusive national identity that respects and integrates regional diversities. Eg: Educational and cultural programs that highlight the unity in diversity of India’s heritage.
5. Sustainable Development: Focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly development to ensure long-term regional prosperity. Eg: Promoting green energy projects and sustainable agricultural practices in regional policies.