Centre sends Constitution copies without ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ to Kendriya Vidyalayas

Thrissur: The Centre has sent copies of an early version of the Indian Constitution to 1,290 Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country for preservation and educational use. This version does not include the words “socialism” and “secularism” in the Preamble.

In a letter dated June 10, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Deputy Commissioner D. P. Patel stated that the document is an original version of the Constitution and should be preserved with due respect. He also noted that it can be used as a valuable educational resource for students.

The letter further mentioned that the action is based on a semi-official letter from the Union Ministry of Culture.

Social science teachers can use the document to teach topics such as the Preamble of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles in classrooms. The letter states that this can help build constitutional literacy and social awareness among students. It also suggests that the copy should be prominently displayed during school assemblies on national and constitutionally important days.

The Constitution originally came into force in 1950 without the words “socialism” and “secularism” in the Preamble. These terms were added later in 1976 through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency period, when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. The current version of the Preamble reflects these changes.

The letter comes at a time when over 13 lakh students are studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country.

“A serious mistake” - P.D.T Achary

“The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has made a serious mistake. How can they send a version of the Constitution that does not include the Preamble approved by Parliament to schools? They may not like these words, but they are bound to function within the framework of the Constitution. If “socialism” and “secularism” are to be removed, Parliament must decide and pass such an amendment first,” former Secretary General of the Lok Sabha and constitutional expert P.D.T Achary said.