NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

mcqmedium

With reference to the financial relationship between the State and religion in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AExclusive state funding for majority-managed institutions
BNon-preferential financial assistance to religious educational institutions
CMandatory state funding of religious ceremonies
DAbsolute prohibition on state financial assistance to religious bodies

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Non-preferential financial assistance to religious educational institutions

Explanation

The Constitution of India adopts the model of "Positive Secularism," distinct from the strict separation observed in Western democracies. While the State maintains a principled distance from religion, it is not barred from interacting with religious institutions. The financial relationship is governed by specific articles in Part III (Fundamental Rights), primarily ensuring non-discrimination and preventing the specific promotion of any single religion using public tax money.

Analysis of Options:

Absolute prohibition on state financial assistance to religious bodies is incorrect: There is no absolute prohibition on State financial assistance to bodies with religious affiliations. For instance, the State provides grants-in-aid to educational institutions managed by religious trusts. Article 27 prohibits the compulsion to pay taxes for the promotion of a particular religion, but it does not bar the utilization of the Consolidated Fund for secular purposes associated with religious institutions (e.g., infrastructure or security for pilgrims).
Exclusive state funding for majority-managed institutions is incorrect: Exclusive funding for institutions managed by the majority community would violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion). The State cannot favor the majority religion over others in financial matters.
Non-preferential financial assistance to religious educational institutions is correct: Article 30(2) of the Constitution explicitly 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, whether based on religion or language. This implies that the State provides financial assistance to religious educational institutions on a non-preferential and non-discriminatory basis.
Mandatory state funding of religious ceremonies is incorrect: There is no constitutional mandate requiring the State to fund religious ceremonies. While the State may facilitate the secular administration of religious endowments or provide public safety measures during festivals, it is under no obligation to fund the rituals or ceremonies themselves.

Key Takeaway:
Under Indian Secularism, the State is permitted to provide financial aid to educational institutions administered by religious groups (Article 30), provided such aid is distributed without discrimination. However, the State cannot levy specific taxes to promote a particular religion (Article 27).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

With reference to the concept of secularism as discussed in political theory, consider the following statements regarding the "essence of secularism": 1. It rests on the assumption that all forms of domination related to religion should end. 2. It mandates that religious groups must not have any contact with State authorities. 3. It implies that the majority community must always yield to the demands of the minority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the State and religion: 1. Acts of religious discrimination are more likely to occur when one religion is accorded official recognition by the State. 2. The separation of State and religion is the sole mechanism required to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of the "tyranny of the majority" in democratic societies, consider the following 1. It can refer to the physical coercion or killing of religious minorities by the majority group. 2. It ensures that the State provides equal financial resources to all religious communities. 3. It is one of the primary reasons why separating religion from the State is considered essential in democracies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the "Strategy of Distancing" employed by the Indian State, consider the following: 1. Government spaces like law courts are legally mandated to display religious symbols of the majority. 2. Government schools are prohibited from celebrating any religious festival. 3. This strategy implies that the State is not ruled by any religious group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statement regarding the practice of secularism in the United States of America: "The legislature cannot declare any religion as the official religion. Nor can they give preference to one religion." This provision is primarily derived from which of the following?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Political Science chapters

The correct option is

Non-preferential financial assistance to religious educational institutions

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

Absolute prohibition on state financial assistance to religious bodies is incorrect: There is no absolute prohibition on State financial assistance to bodies with religious affiliations. For instance, the State provides grants-in-aid to educational institutions managed by religious trusts. Article 27 prohibits the compulsion to pay taxes for the promotion of a particular religion, but it does not bar the utilization of the Consolidated Fund for secular purposes associated with religious institutions (e.g., infrastructure or security for pilgrims).
Exclusive state funding for majority-managed institutions is incorrect: Exclusive funding for institutions managed by the majority community would violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion). The State cannot favor the majority religion over others in financial matters.
Non-preferential financial assistance to religious educational institutions is correct: Article 30(2) of the Constitution explicitly 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, whether based on religion or language. This implies that the State provides financial assistance to religious educational institutions on a non-preferential and non-discriminatory basis.
Mandatory state funding of religious ceremonies is incorrect: There is no constitutional mandate requiring the State to fund religious ceremonies. While the State may facilitate the secular administration of religious endowments or provide public safety measures during festivals, it is under no obligation to fund the rituals or ceremonies themselves.