Question

The idea of welfare state is included in the Indian Constitution's

• A. Fundamental Rights
• B. Directive Principle of State Policy
• C. Preamble
• D. Schedules

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Directive Principle of State Policy

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• The concept of a Welfare State is explicitly embodied in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, specifically through the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• These principles are contained in Articles 36 to 51.
• The foundational objective of the DPSP is to establish social and economic democracy, moving beyond the mere political democracy established by Fundamental Rights.
• Article 38 is central to this concept, directing the State to strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which justice—social, economic, and political—shall inform all institutions of national life.
• The DPSP serves as a moral and political charter for the State, guiding both legislative and executive actions to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
• Key Constitutional Context:
  • The DPSP is non-justiciable in nature, meaning they are not legally enforceable by courts for their violation (Article 37).
  • Despite being non-justiciable, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles when making laws.
  • The inspiration for incorporating DPSP into the Indian Constitution was drawn from the Irish Constitution, which had, in turn, borrowed it from the Spanish Constitution.
• The DPSP covers a wide range of state policies, including the securing of adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of resources, prevention of concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, and the promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections.