The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Indian secularism is distinct from the Western concept of strict separation between Church and State. It follows the principle of "principled distance," which allows the State to engage with religion through strategies of non-interference, intervention, and support to ensure equality and protect the rights of religious communities.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The "strategy of support" in Indian secularism entails that the State respects the rights of religious communities to establish and maintain their own educational institutions. This is constitutionally guaranteed under Article 30, which allows religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The strategy of support does not prohibit financial aid. In fact, Article 30(2) mandates that the State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority. Consequently, the State provides financial assistance to religious educational institutions.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Indian secularism is not a strategy of absolute non-intervention. While the State generally follows a policy of non-interference in religious practices, it reserves the right to intervene to bring about social reform (e.g., the abolition of untouchability under Article 17 or the regulation of secular activities associated with religious practice under Article 25).
Key Takeaway:
Indian secularism allows the State to support religious communities financially and institutionally (Strategy of Support) while simultaneously retaining the power to intervene for social welfare (Strategy of Intervention), unlike the strict mutual exclusion seen in Western secularism.