Socialism and the Indian Constitution

Socialism and the Indian Constitution is a structured analysis of the socio-economic commitments embedded within the foundational framework of India. Written by renowned economist Prabhat Patnaik, this concise volume tracks the historical trajectory, policy shifts, and modern-day challenges surrounding the constitutional promise of a socialist order.

The book revisits the anti-colonial vision that imagined a democratic, secular, and egalitarian nation. It examines the post-Independence economic landscape—marked by planning, the public sector, and bank nationalization—before analyzing the transition toward neoliberal policies and its subsequent impact on employment, social welfare, and popular sovereignty.

Patnaik argues that true equality of opportunity remains unattainable under conditions of persistent unemployment, wealth inheritance, and the privatization of social goods. To address these systemic imbalances, the book outlines structural prerequisites necessary for moving toward a more equitable society, including universal high-quality public education, accessible healthcare, curbs on inherited wealth, and a renewed emphasis on social ownership.