Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine.
The Indian Constitution, through Fundamental Rights (Articles 14, 15, 16, 21, 21A) and Directive Principles (Articles 38, 39, 41, 43, 47), envisions a rights-based welfare state. Legislative articulation includes NFSA 2013, MGNREGA 2005, RTE 2009, FRA 2006, and Social Security Code 2020.
Realisation under Constraints:
1. Non-Integrated Governance — Challenges:
- Vertical fragmentation: Union schemes, state adaptations, and local implementation often work in silos.
- Horizontal fragmentation: Health, nutrition, education, and livelihoods handled by separate ministries with weak convergence.
- Data silos — Aadhaar, SECC, and state databases lack interoperability.
- Overlapping schemes dilute impact (e.g., 950+ centrally sponsored/central schemes historically).
- Poor last-mile delivery — Panchayats lack functionaries and finances.
2. Minimal Public Investment — Constraints:
- Health spending ~2.1% of GDP (target 2.5%); education ~2.9% (target 6%, NEP).
- Fiscal deficit pressures limit welfare expansion.
- Regressive taxation reliance on GST/indirect taxes.
- Cess and surcharge growth shrinks divisible pool for states.
Evidence of Partial Success:
- DBT and JAM trinity reduced leakages.
- Ayushman Bharat, PMJAY expanded health coverage.
- PDS and MGNREGA provided COVID resilience.
Evidence of Failure:
- Malnutrition (NFHS-5) persists; learning outcomes (ASER) stagnate.
- Out-of-pocket health expenditure ~48% pushes 6 crore below poverty line annually.
- Informal sector remains outside meaningful social security.
Way Forward:
- Convergent governance via mission-mode integration (e.g., POSHAN 2.0 model).
- Increased public expenditure — health 2.5%, education 6%.
- Strengthen local governments — Article 243G devolution.
- Universal Social Security Registry integrating e-Shram, PMJAY, NFSA.
- Outcome-based budgeting and independent evaluation via NITI Aayog.
Constitutional welfare demands both investment and institutional coherence — one without the other yields symbolic entitlements without substantive realisation.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.
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