A.1. Introduction
- Across all levels of governance, the Indian government regularly introduces Welfare Schemes for a wide range of citizens.
- These schemes could be either Central, State-specific, or a collaboration between the Centre and the States.
- India is considered to be a welfare state and the Supreme court termed ‘welfare state’ as an element of the Basic structure.
- Welfare schemes indicate politics of development.
- These schemes play a crucial role in solving many socio-economic problems that beset Indian society, and thus their awareness is a must for any concerned citizen.
- These schemes are more important for vulnerable sections because they experience a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion than the general population.