UPSC Prelims 2015 Q89: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy

UPSC Prelims 2015, General Studies Paper I · Indian Polity

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

Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy

Explanation

Ideal of the 'Welfare State'

The ideal of a Welfare State is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV).

Article	Welfare content
38	The State shall promote the welfare of the people and reduce inequalities
39	Adequate livelihood; equal pay for equal work; no concentration of wealth
41	Right to work, education and public assistance
43	Living wage for workers
47	Raise nutrition and public health

Why not the others:

Option	Its role
Preamble	States the goals of justice, liberty, equality in general terms
Fundamental Rights	Protect the individual against the State
Seventh Schedule	Divides subjects between the Union and the States

Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy.

(a) Incorrect. The Preamble sets broad goals but the welfare ideal is spelt out in Part IV.
(b) CORRECT. The Welfare State ideal is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
(c) Incorrect. Fundamental Rights are limits on the State, not a welfare programme.
(d) Incorrect. The Seventh Schedule only lists Union, State and Concurrent subjects.

Welfare State = Directive Principles (Part IV), above all Article 38: promote the welfare of the people and minimise inequalities.

Welfare State = Directive Principles (Article 38).

Choosing the Preamble because it mentions social and economic justice.
Forgetting Article 38, the core welfare provision.
Confusing a welfare state (positive duties) with a police state (limits only).

Rights restrain the State; Directives tell it to act. Welfare needs action.

Constitution of India — Articles 38, 39, 41, 43 and 47
NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 2 (Rights in the Indian Constitution: Directive Principles)