Administrative Challenges in a Welfare State

ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGES IN A WELFARE STATE

Introduction:
•    The function of a state
      1.    Legislative
      2.    Executive
      3.    Judiciary
•    Legislative – Parliament
•    Executive – Prime minister, Cabinet, Government Departments
•    Judiciary – Supreme court

Welfare State :
•    Is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of economic and social well-being of its citizens.
•    Is based on the principles of equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of wealth.
•    Under this system, the welfare and well-being of its citizens is the responsibility of the state.
•    Such a government is involved in citizens lives at every level.
•    most of the modern democratic countries are 'welfare states‘

Is India A Welfare State:
• India was not a welfare state before independence.
• The Constitution makers were very much aware of India’s problems. That is why, they decided     that India would be a welfare state.
• “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic”
• Accordingly, two specific provisions have been made in the Constitution to ensure social and          economic welfare of the people of India
• Fundamental Rights
• Directive Principles of State.
 • A salient feature of the Indian constitution is the effort to establish a welfare state. (Preamble makes this clear)
• Article 38 of the Constitution reads: “The state shall strive to promote the welfare the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice-social economic and political-shall pervade all institutions of national life.” provides a broad framework for the establishment of the welfare state ideal.
• Protection and special care of the weaker sections of the community is provided Article 46 - to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
• Reservation for the SC, ST and the other backward classes - to meet out social justice to them.
• As a welfare State, India is committed to the welfare and development of its people, particularly the vulnerable sections . This section of the society constitutes nearly 85% of the population

Is “Welfare State” A Utopian Concept:
• Some nations believe that creating a welfare state is the proper role of any central government; few have managed to create efficient systems.
They are unable to provide equitably for all their citizens, often leaving those most in need with the least. Rationing of goods and services also becomes a major problem when too many people depend on the welfare state.
• All advanced societies view helping people who literally cannot help themselves as decent, humane, and necessary.
Yet, another serious issue with the welfare state philosophy is that many people who are capable of caring for themselves have no motivation to improve their lives when they can depend on the government to provide for them.
 This often breeds resentment amongst those who do work when they are forced to pay for people who do not, via ever-increasing taxes.
• Such a system can fuel class warfare and prevent equality instead of obtaining it. The concept of the welfare state may appear to be a good model on paper.
 The reality of creating a truly equitable state has thus far been impossible to achieve, however.

Conclusion And Observation:
 • The welfare state is such a convenient and elastic phrase
• In the sphere of policies and legislation, it comes handy to the political reformers to push their pet  schemes and proposals and denounce those of the opponents
 • To political parties and organs of fostering public opinion, it provides a cover for strategy and tactics to carry out several activities to attract the largest sections of voters