PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
42nd Amendment
Explanation
The words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' were added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. This amendment was passed during the Emergency under the Prime Ministership of Indira Gandhi. The 42nd Amendment is often referred to as a 'Mini Constitution' due to the widespread changes it brought. This remains the only time the Preamble has been amended.
Key Points
- > The 42nd Constitutional Amendment act was passed in 1976.
- > Three new words were added to the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
- > It is widely known as the 'Mini Constitution' of India.
- > It was enacted based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
- > Fundamental Duties were added to the constitution by this same amendment.
- > The Preamble has been amended only once to date.
- > The 44th Amendment (1978) removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights.
Additional Information
- >## Important Constitutional Amendments of India\n\n| Amendment | Year | Key Feature |\n|---|---|---|\n| 1st | 1951 | Added the 9th Schedule to protect land reform laws |\n| 42nd | 1976 | Added Secular, Socialist, Integrity
- > Added Fundamental Duties |\n| 44th | 1978 | Removed Right to Property from Fundamental Rights |\n| 61st | 1989 | Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years |\n\n### Memory Tips\n- **Word Mnemonic**: Remember 'SSI' (Socialist, Secular, Integrity) for the 42nd Amendment.\n- **Year Trick**: 4+2 = 6, so the year is 1976. 4+4 = 8, so the year is 1978.