Concept of Welfare State

Concept of Welfare State

Subject: Polity

Context: Hailing the rich contributions made by the Tamil Nadu legislature over the past century, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday observed that the [erstwhile] Madras legislature had sown the seeds of a fully representative democratic form of governance, which were realised after Independence.

• The concept of the welfare State has taken deep roots in this legislature irrespective of who rules at Fort St. George, Chennai.
• The abolition of the Devadasi system, widow remarriage, mid-day meals in schools and distribution of agricultural land to the landless were some of the revolutionary ideas that transformed society.

Welfare State:

• It is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens.
• A welfare state is based on the principles of equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of wealth.
• It also focuses on the governmental responsibility for those who are unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions of a good life.
• It provides a social security net which may include education, housing, sustenance, healthcare etc. Without ensuring equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of wealth, the welfare of the marginalised and deprived sections of society cannot be ensured.
• India is described as a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Accordingly, the Constitution has extensive provisions to ensure the social and economic welfare of the people of India.
• In this regard two specific provisions have been made, one in the form of Fundamental Rights and the other as Directive Principles of State Policy. 
• Welfare state is also guided by the philosophy of Gandhijilike “Sarvodaya through Antyodaya” (welfare of all, through welfare of the weakest); Gandhiji’s Talisman; Trusteeship principle etc.
• Welfare state and compassion towards the weaker section is necessary for development of human and social capital for “Sab KaSaathAur Sab KaVikas” for one united and robust India.
• The aim of governance cannot be met without having the concept of welfare state and developing compassion towards the weaker sections.

Provisions in Indian constitution for weaker sections:

• Article 15 (3) allows the State to make unique enactment to secure Women and Children.
• Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) enable the state to make unique arrangement for the reservation of arrangement of posts for any Backward Class of residents of the State
• Article 38 authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of people.
• Article 39A : Equal justice and free legal aid.
• Article 40 : Organization of village panchayats.
• Article 41 : Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
• Article 42 : Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
• Article 43 : Living wage etc. for workers.
• Article 43-A : Participation of workers in management of industries.
• Article 43-B : Promotion of cooperative societies.
• Article 45 : Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
• Article 46 : Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and other weaker sections.
• Article 47 : Duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
• Article 48 : Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.