Separation of religion and state
Also called: Church-state separation · Topic: Secularism: Western and Indian Models · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Secularism"
Meaning
Separation of religion and state means keeping religious bodies and government bodies apart. It is also called church-state separation. NCERT (Class 11, Secularism) says this is necessary but not sufficient for a secular state. A secular state must also pursue peace, religious freedom, and equality between and within religions. Separation can take different forms. The Western model uses mutual exclusion. India uses principled distance.
Example
In the USA, the First Amendment (1791) and Jefferson's "wall of separation" (1802) keep the state and religion in separate areas. India also keeps a distance from all religions, but its state may still step in. Under Art. 17 it abolished untouchability, and under Art. 30(2) it gives aid to minority schools.
Don't confuse with
- Secular state: a state with no theocracy and no official religion that also works for freedom and equality. Separation is only one part of what makes a state secular.