Welfare State Concept in Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution incorporates the idea of establishing a welfare state, which aims to promote the social and economic well-being of its citizens. This goal is primarily reflected in specific constitutional provisions.
Constitutional Basis for Welfare State
The constitutional foundation for the concept of a welfare state in India is primarily laid out in the:
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Located in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36 to 51), these principles act as guidelines for the government. They direct the state to work towards securing a social and economic order conducive to the welfare of the people. For instance, Article 38 specifically mandates the state to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effective as it can a social order in which justice – social, economic and political – shall inform all the institutions of the national life.
Relevance of Other Options
The other options are related to constitutional aspects but do not primarily define the welfare state concept:
- Fundamental Rights: These guarantee essential freedoms and protections but are mainly focused on civil and political rights and are generally justiciable.
- Provision of Election Commission: This concerns the electoral process and the functioning of democracy, not the socio-economic objectives of a welfare state.
- Citizenship: This defines the rights and responsibilities of individuals as citizens, separate from the state's directive mandate for welfare.
Therefore, the Directive Principles of State Policy are the core constitutional element embodying the welfare state concept in India.
Important Questions from Salient Features of the Constitution
- Identify the incorrect pair of Principle implied in Fundamental Rights and its related Article of the Constitution of India :
- Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951?
- Which among the following Constitutions became the source for the feature of "Federation with Strong Centre" in Indian Constitution?
Consider the following statements :
1. In order to form a new state in the Indian Union, the Parliament can amend the provisions of the Constitution with a Simple Majority.
2. To amend the provisions of Directive Principles of State Policy, the Parliament requires a Special Majority.
3. To amend Article 368 of the Constitution, the Parliament requires Special Majority along with the consent of half of the state legislatures.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Consider the following statements :
1. Residuary subjects are the subjects that are not included in the three lists of the 7th schedule of the Constitution.
2. According to Article 248, both the union Parliament and state legislatures can make laws on these subjects.
3. Space technology is an example of a residuary subject.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
