Question 12
AOptions
BSolution
The ideal of a Welfare State in India is prominently declared and sought to be achieved through the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). These are enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Constitution of India.
DPSPs are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. They lay down social and economic objectives, such as:
- Securing a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people (Article 38).
- Securing adequate means of livelihood for all citizens, equitable distribution of material resources, prevention of concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, etc. (Article 39).
- Providing right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases (Article 41).
- Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42).
- Promoting the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections (Article 46).
- Improving public health and prohibiting intoxicating drinks and drugs (Article 47).
These principles collectively aim at realizing the ideal of a 'Welfare State', which implies that the state should actively promote the social and economic well-being of its citizens.
Let's consider other options:
- B) Fundamental Rights (Part III): These ensure civil and political liberties and act as limitations on the state's power, but they do not primarily declare the ideal of a welfare state; they guarantee individual freedoms.
- C) Preamble: The Preamble speaks of 'Justice - social, economic and political' and 'Equality of status and of opportunity', which are aspirations towards a welfare state. However, the DPSPs lay down the concrete principles and directives for achieving this ideal.
- D) Seventh Schedule: This Schedule deals with the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States (Union List, State List, Concurrent List) and has no direct bearing on the ideal of a welfare state.
Thus, the Directive Principles of State Policy are the primary part of the Constitution that declares the ideal of a Welfare State.
CStrategy
When questions ask about the 'ideal' or 'objective' of the Constitution, consider both the Preamble (which states the broad aspirations) and the DPSPs (which provide detailed directives for achieving those aspirations). Understand the distinct roles of Fundamental Rights (negative obligations on the state) and DPSPs (positive obligations on the state) in shaping governance.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under the Indian Polity section, specifically focusing on the Directive Principles of State Policy and the underlying philosophy of the Indian Constitution.
EQuestion Analysis
Easy. This is a very common and straightforward question about the core purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy.