Question

The Constitution of India seeks to establish India as a welfare state. Why is there a need to make India a welfare state? How has the government tried to establish a welfare state?

Answer 1

Instructions: Discuss what a welfare state is, explain why and how India is a welfare state.

Solution:

• Welfare State is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the promotion of the economic and social well-being of citizens.

Why a Welfare State?

• The Indian Constitution seeks to establish a welfare state because India inherited a population that was suffering from poverty, illiteracy and unemployment at the time of independence. In order to protect the interests of weaker sections, it was important to make India a welfare state.

How is India a welfare state?

• India is a democratic and socialist country that aims to reduce inequalities between the rich and the poor.
• In order to establish a welfare state, the Government of India has initiated several welfare schemes and measures over the last 7 decades.
• Untouchability has been abolished and made a punishable offence.
• Implementation of the Right to Education Act and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan in order to provide access to education for all.
• Implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 to provide food security to all citizens.
• In order to protect the interests of women, the government implemented the Maternity Benefit Act (1961) and the Equal Remuneration Act (1976).
• The government implemented rural development schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
• Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission also help in establishing a welfare state.