Day 39 – Q 5.The whole idea of a welfare state is based on the premise of compassion towards the weaker sections. Do you agree? Substantiate.

5. The whole idea of a welfare state is based on the premise of compassion towards the weaker sections. Do you agree? Substantiate. 

एक कल्याणकारी राज्य का पूरा विचार कमजोर वर्गों के प्रति करुणा के आधार पर आधारित है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? पुष्टी करें।

Introduction:

A welfare state is one where the state undertakes to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially those in financial or social need, by means of grants, pensions, and other benefits.

The idea of welfare states arises from the philosophy of compassion towards the weaker sections. 

Body

Government needs to intervene in health, education, infrastructure like housing etc because all citizens do not have access to them at affordable prices. 

Under social contract theory government is obliged to serve the interest of people. The state is the custodian of rights of weak and vulnerable. People have given the authority to the state to rule. However the rule has to be as per the law and with values of empathy and compassion. It cannot be despotic or authoritarian. 

Also democracy is said to be the form of government to give expression to the will of people. This entails fulfilling the basic need of people with compassion. 

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 – It 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.

Conclusion

Welfare state is also guided by the philosophy of Gandhiji like “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 Ka Saath Aur Sab Ka Vikas”; 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.