Constitutional and Philosophical Basis

♤ Preamble to the Constitution of India seeks to ensure “Justice, social, economic and

political” and “Equality of status and of opportunity”.

♤ Fundamental Rights in various articles provide for various rights such as – Right to Equality, Right to Live with Dignity, Right to Education, Right against Untouchability, Right against Exploitation etc.

♤ Directive Principles of State Policy also enjoins upon the state the primary responsibility of welfare of all its citizens, in effect, making it a Welfare State.

♤ Various Conventions under United Nations also provides for state support to vulnerable sections, like - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.