Question 43 from UPSC CSE 2020 - POLITY & GOVERNANC E

Question

Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Directive Principles of State Policy

Strategy: Identify the part of the Constitution that explicitly declares the ideal of a Welfare State. Focus on the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) as they provide policy directives for social and economic justice. Distinguish DPSP from Fundamental Rights and the Preamble, which mention values but do not contain concrete welfare state directives.

Key Info: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), found in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Constitution, are constitutional instructions to the State. They aim to secure a social order characterized by justice--social, economic, and political. Inspired by the Irish Constitution, these principles embody the concept of a Welfare State.

These principles require the State to:
*   Strive to eliminate inequalities.
*   Promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which justice informs all spheres of national life.

Key directives include provisions for:
*   Adequate livelihood.
*   Equal pay for equal work.
*   Protection of childhood and youth.
*   Promotion of educational and economic interests for marginalized groups.

Although DPSP are not justiciable (cannot be enforced in court), they are fundamental in the governance of the country and aim to guide legislation and executive action for the public good.

In contrast:
*   **Fundamental Rights (Part III)**: Primarily assure civil and political rights to citizens and provide limitations on state power.
*   **Preamble**: Sets out the goals and values of the Constitution (such as justice, equality, liberty) but does not contain enforceable or directive provisions.
*   **Seventh Schedule**: Deals with the division of legislative subjects between the Union and States and is not connected to the welfare state concept.

Answer

Option B: Fundamental Rights

Answer

Option C: Preamble

Answer

Option D: Seventh Schedule