GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

"Universal basic services and targeted welfare are fiscally sound, but competitive populism may hinder productive investment." In this context, highlight the constitutional and legal perspectives on welfare provisioning and discuss the impacts of the rising freebie culture.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Directive Principles and DutiesPolicy Design and ImplementationWelfare SchemesElections and Representation

Syllabus: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

How toppers approached it

From 2 of the 3 answers · about 170 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A constitutional or legal provision1 of 2
  • No separate opening1 of 2

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 2

Close

  • A way forward2 of 2

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 133 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Recently in S Subramanium Case, SC directed ECI to formulate guidelines against freebies, holding that "Freebies are passport to fiscal disaster".

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* fiscally sound * only cost 4-5% of GDP in total. * justified in name of social security payment.

Constitutional and legal perspective

(A) Constitutional

(i) Article 38 → establishes welfare state and mandates duty on State to ensure welfarism

(ii) Article 39 → Advocates for reducing wealth inequality.

(iii) Article 42 → Mandates providing Maternity Benefit and workers welfare.

(iv) Preamble → Establishes Socialism as core principle

(B) Legal perspective

Diagram
- MGNREGA → Right to work - NFSA → Right to food - RTE Act → Right to education

Impact of Rising freebie culture

(1) Competitive populism → Race to bottom (2) Fiscal unsustainability of freebies (3) Unfair advantage to the incumbent → Against MCC (4) Does not improve productivity → as they are revenue expenses (5) Low budget for investment expenses of government

Way forward

(1) Mandatory Review of promises by party (2) Fiscal council to check populism

Close · a way forward

None written.

More on Directive Principles and Duties

Part IV and IVA, their relationship with Fundamental Rights.

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