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

1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Rights
4. Seventh Schedule

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Directive Principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy. They seek to establish a ‘welfare state’ in India.
• However, unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are non-justiciable in nature, that is, they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation. Yet, the Constitution itself declares that ‘these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws’.
• Hence, they impose a moral obligation on the state authorities for their application.
• For example:
  • To promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by justice–social, economic and politi-cal–and to minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities (Article 38).
  • To make provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42).
  • To secure a living wage , a decent standard of life and social and cultural opportunities for all workers (Article 43).
  • To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of people and to improve public health (Article 47)

Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy; Difficulty Level: Easy