UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper I · Q12 of 99 Polity & Governance easy

Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State ?

  1. (a) Directive Principles of State Policy ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Fundamental Rights
  3. (c) Preamble
  4. (d) Seventh Schedule

Why the answer is (a)

• The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51) set out the goals of a welfare state — social order with justice (Article 38), equitable distribution (Article 39), right to work, education and public assistance (Article 41), living wage (Article 43), free legal aid, health and nutrition (Article 47) — option (a).

• Granville Austin called them the 'conscience of the Constitution'; they are derived from the Irish Constitution.

• The Preamble (c) states ideals but the concrete welfare programme is in Part IV; Fundamental Rights (b) protect liberty; the Seventh Schedule (d) distributes legislative powers.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights protect liberties; they are not the welfare programme.
(c) Preamble
The Preamble states ideals; the welfare-state provisions are in Part IV.
(d) Seventh Schedule
The Seventh Schedule distributes legislative subjects.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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