Question 72 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

The ideal of 'Welfare State' in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Directive Principles of State Policy

Strategy: Focus on where social and economic guidelines promoting state welfare are detailed in the Constitution. While the Preamble mentions justice and equality, it is the Directive Principles of State Policy that explicitly direct the State to secure a welfare state through various provisions. Options like Fundamental Rights and Seventh Schedule do not specifically encapsulate this ideal, making Directive Principles the correct answer.

Key Info: The concept of a **Welfare State** refers to a system where the state undertakes responsibility for the well-being of its citizens, guaranteeing minimum standards of living, health, and education.

In India, this ideal is most concretely articulated in Part IV of the Constitution—Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36 to 51). These principles direct the State to promote justice (social, economic, and political), minimize inequalities, secure the right to adequate means of livelihood, and provide public assistance in cases such as unemployment and old age. Though not justiciable, these principles guide legislative and policy action to achieve a welfare state.

The Preamble signals aims like justice, liberty, and equality but does not detail the mechanisms. Fundamental Rights (Part III) provide enforceable civil liberties but do not elaborate the framework of a welfare state. The Seventh Schedule only distributes legislative powers between the Union and States and is unrelated to social policy ideals.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Preamble

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Fundamental Rights

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Seventh Schedule