OPSC OAS 2020 PrelimsPolityQuestion 4
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2020 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
The ideal of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its :
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (B) Directive Principles of State Policy
- The ideal of a Welfare State is reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36–51) of the Indian Constitution.
- These principles guide the state in formulating policies aimed at ensuring social and economic justice, reducing inequality, and improving the well-being of citizens — key aspects of a welfare state.
the other options are
- (A) Preamble — While the Preamble mentions justice (social, economic, political), liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are foundational ideals of a welfare state, the Preamble is a broad statement of objectives. The detailed articulation of welfare state ideals is found in the DPSPs.
- (C) Fundamental Rights — These primarily protect individual liberties and civil rights against state action. They are justiciable and enforceable but focus more on political and civil freedom rather than socio-economic welfare.
- (D) Seventh Schedule — This schedule contains the three legislative lists (Union, State, and Concurrent) that distribute legislative powers between the Centre and States. It deals with administrative division of powers, not welfare state ideals.
