Social Welfare Programmes in India

with emphasis on

Family and Health

--------------------------------------------

Name- Siddarth Gurung

Department- Social Work
Semester- II
Roll No- 04

Social Policy & Social Development in India

Paper code- MSR 230T (A)

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

2019-2020
 Social Welfare Programmes in India with emphasis on
Family and Health

Social welfare is an organised system of social services and institutions, designed to aid
individuals and groups, to attain satisfying standards of life and health. Social welfare
therefore, aims at providing services to weaker sections of the population who because of
various handicaps such as physical, mental, economic and social, are unable to make use of
social services provided by society or have been traditionally deprived of these services.
According to Wayne Vasey (1958) social welfare included two main characteristics:
 The utilisation of welfare measures to support or strengthen the family as a basic social
institution through which needs are met; and .
 The intent to strengthen the individuals' capacity to cope with their life situation.
The provision of social welfare includes services for children, youth, women, aged, scheduled
castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, minorities, disabled, drug addicts, and
economically under-privileged such as destitute and unemployed. Social welfare programmes-
are, therefore, directed to ameliorate their conditions. Therefore, it requires proper
administration.
In the past, social welfare services hardly extended beyond protective and to some extent,
curative services but the new stress is on preventive and rehabilitative services. Now, the social
welfare services include the following:
i) Promotional, curative, remedial and rehabilitative services for the physically and the
mentally handicapped persons;
ii) Services for certain selected sections of the society, and offered on a large scale with
the intention of changing social relations, e.g. services for the scheduled caste,
scheduled tribes, women, etc.;
iii) Services for other vulnerable groups, such as children, slum-dwellers, etc.;
iv) Specific programmes for individuals and groups to solve their problems of adjustments
or socioeconomic inadequacies;
v) Services tinder social defence;
vi) Relief and rehabilitation in emergency situations;
vii) Programmes for groups for specific purposes, e.g. educational services for the drop-
outs;
viii) Programmes of recreation for the different age groups; and
ix) Measures for social security and insurance.
 SOCIAL WELFARE AND CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

Directive Principle of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy is guidelines to the central and state governments of
India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. They are enumerated in part iv of
the constitution of India. i.e. directive principles of state policy. They are the instruments of
instructions in the governance of the country. The directive principles lay down certain
economic & social policies to be pursued by the various governments in India. They are
classified as social & economic charter, social security charter & community welfare charter.
These provisions, contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, are not enforceable by
any court, but the principles laid down therein are considered fundamental in the governance
of the country, making it the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws to
establish a just society in the country. The principles have been inspired by the Directive
Principles given in the Constitution of Ireland and also by the principles of Gandhism; and
relate to social justice, economic welfare, foreign policy, and legal and administrative
matters.
It is by enacting “directive principles of state policy” in part IV of the constitution that we
endeavoured to create a welfare state.
In a sense the directive principles of state policy epitomize the ideals, the aspirations, the
sentiments, the precepts, and the goals of our entire freedom movement. In another sense, they
represent a compromise between the ideals and reality. In the initial stages of the constitution
making there was a strong current of opinion to make the directive principles as much
justifiable as the fundamental rights. But it dawned on the constituent assembly that it would
not be practicable to make the positive rights justifiable. Thus, ultimately the non- justifiable
directive principles were enacted in part IV of the constitution. T.T.Krishnamachari called
the non- justifiable directive principle as “a veritable dustbin of sentiment sufficiently resilient
to permit any individual of this house to ride his hobby- horse into it.
Socialist ideals and percepts of national movement found expression in a number of articles.
Article 39 embodies the percepts of national movement thus: ‘the state shall strive to promote
the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may, a social order in
which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national
life. The socialist ideals of the national movement and the national goals are embodied in article
39 which runs:
The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:
i. That the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means to
livelihood;
ii. That the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so
distributed as best to sub serve the common good;
iii. That the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth
and means of production to the common detriment.
 iv. That there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women;
v. That the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children
are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations
unsuited by their age or strength; and
vi. Those children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and
in conditions of freedom and dignity and childhood and youth are protected against
exploitation and against moral abandonment.

Economic and Social Right

The constituent assembly finding it difficult to place certain economic and social rights in the
list of fundamental rights placed them in the category of directive principles. In this way the
following rights found a place among the directive principles:
i. Right to adequate means of livelihood: Article 39(a);
ii. Right against economic exploitation: Article 39(b);
iii. Right of both sexes to equal pay for equal work: Article 39 (d);
iv. Right to work;
v. Right to leisure and rest: Article 43;
vi. Right to public assistance in case of unemployment, old age or sickness: Article 42;
vii. Right to education: Article 41;
viii. Right to just and humane conditions of work: Article 42;
ix. Right to maternity relief: Article 42; and
x. Right to compulsory and free education of children: Article 45.

Right to Work
Article 41 of the Constitution provides that “the State shall within the limits of its economic
capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education
and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in
other cases of undeserved want.” Article 38 states that the state shall strive to promote the
welfare of the people and article 43 states it shall endeavour to secure a living wage and a
decent standard of life to all workers.

Right to Shelter
Unlike certain other ESC rights, the right to shelter, which forms part of the right to an adequate
standard of living under article 11 of the ICESCR, finds no corresponding expression in the
DPSP. This right has been seen as forming part of article 21 itself. The court has gone as far
as to say, “The right to life . . . would take within its sweep the right to food . . . and a reasonable
accommodation to live in.” However, given that these observations were not made in a petition
by a homeless person seeking shelter, it is doubtful that this declaration would be in the nature
of a positive right that could be said to be enforceable. On the other hand, in certain other
contexts with regard to housing for the poor, the court has actually refused to recognize any
such absolute right.

Right to Health
The right to health has been perhaps the least difficult area for the court in terms of justifiability,
but not in terms of enforceability. Article 47 of DPSP provides for the duty of the state to
improve public health. However, the court has always recognized the right to health as being
an integral part of the right to life.
The principle got tested in the case of an agricultural labourer whose condition, after a fall from
a running train, worsened considerably when as many as seven government hospitals in
Calcutta refused to admit him as they did not have beds vacant. The Supreme Court did not
stop at declaring the right to health to be a fundamental right and at enforcing that right of the
labourer by asking the Government of West Bengal to pay him compensation for the loss
suffered. It directed the government to formulate a blue print for primary health care with
particular reference to treatment of patients during an emergency.

Right to Education
Article 45 of the DPSP, which corresponds to article 13(1) of the ICESCR, states, “The State
shall endeavour to provide, within a period of ten years from the commencement of this Con-
stitution, for free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of
fourteen years.” Thus, while the right of a child not to be employed in hazardous industries
was, by virtue of article 24, recognized to be a fundamental right, the child’s right to education
was put into the DPSP in part IV and deferred for a period of ten years

Protection to Minorities and Weaker Section of Society

Needless to say, protection to minorities and weaker section of society has been the main plank
on which we have tried to usher in the economic revolution. Some of the rights of minorities
have found a place of pride among the fundamental rights. Article 43 directs the state to secure
to all workers, by legislation, economic organization, or in any other way, a living wage;
conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life, and the full enjoyment of leisure and
social and cultural opportunities. Article 47 imposes as a primary duty to raise the level of
nutrition and the standard of living of its people. On the basis of these articles some of the
social and labour legislation has been enacted. Article 39A provides for equitable justice and
free legal aid by suitable legislation. Article 43A stipulates the participation of workers in the
management of industries. Article 46 specifically lays down that the state ‘shall promote with
special care the educational and economic interest of the weaker sections of the people, and,
in particular, of the schedule castes and the schedules tribes, and shall protect them from social
injustice and all forms of exploitations.’

Gandhian Ideals of Panchayti Raj; Promotion of Cottage Industry; And Prohibition

The promotion of the cottage industry and establishment of panchayati raj has been two main
ideals of Gandhian philosophy. Speaking from the floor of the constituent assembly,
Ambedkar observed, that there was a considerable feeling in the house in favour of
governmental encouragement for the cottage industry. Similarly, there was a considerable
opinion to enact in the con situation decentralization and the panchayti raj. But with emphasize
on industrialization and a highly centralist federal system that was adopted, there was no
alternative but to place these ideals among the directive principles. In view of this, latter part
of article 43 lays down that the state shall endeavour “ to promote cottage industries on an
individual or co- operative basis in rural areas.” article 40 enjoins the state to take steps to
establish village panchayats.
Article 47 enacts the national policy of prohibition and enjoins the state to bring about
prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, in intoxicating drinks and of
drugs which are injurious to health. This directive has been sought to be implemented from the
beginning.

Hindu Ideals of Cow-Protection, and Improvement of Agriculture AND Animal

Husbandry
In a predominantly agricultural Hindu society of the ancient times emphasis on the protection
of the cow, and other cattle connected with the agriculture was natural. In the modern India,
too, a national policy against slaughter of certain category of cattle is needed. The question is
not merely of the Hindu’s reverence towards cow, though religious aspect of cow protection
cannot be ignored, but protection of milk cattle in a country, which is suffering from acute
shortage of milk, is an imperative need. Article 48 deals with this and allied matters. It enjoins
on the state “to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and
in particular, to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the
slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”
National Integration and Promotion of International Peace
Article 44 stipulates for a uniform civil code. This article caused considerable difficulty in the
constituent assembly; it was opposed on the one side by an orthodox section of hindus and, on
the other hand, by the minorities who thought that with a uniform civil code they would lose
their identity. This article has not been implemented because of consistent opposition by the
minorities. Only certain portions of Hindu law be reformed and codified.
Article 51 lays down that the state shall endeavour to promote international peace and security,
to maintain just and honourable relations between nations and to foster respect for international
law and treaties and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Miscellaneous Directives
Article 50 enjoins that the judiciary shall be separated from the executive. To a great extent
this directive has been implemented. Article 49 provides for the protection of monuments and
places and objects of national importance. Article 48A for the protection and improvement of
environment and safeguard of forests and wildlife.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is an Indian government ministry charged
with health policy in India. It is also responsible for all government programs relating to family
planning in India.
The Minister of Health and Family Welfare holds cabinet rank as a member of the Council of
Ministers. The current minister is Harsh Vardhan.

There are various programmes initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These
are:
1. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

Features:
 Key area under National Health Rural Mission (NHRM)
 Free cost of vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases i.e. Diphtheria,
Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe from Childhood Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B, Meningitis and Pneumonia.
  Japanese Encephalitis in JE endemic districts and Rotavirus diarrhoea in
selected states
 National Technical Advisory Group of India (NTAGI)- the country’s apex
scientific advisory body on immunization.

2. Mission Indradhanush

Objectives:
 To cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially
vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases

Features:
 The Government has identified 201 high focus districts across 28 states in the
country that have the highest number of partially immunized and unimmunized
children
 It will target these districts through intensive efforts and special immunization
drives to improve the routine immunization coverage in the country
 The diseases being targeted are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus,
poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles and Hepatitis B.
 In addition to these, vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus
influenzae type B are also being provided in selected states.
 Four new additions have been made namely Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis,
Injectable Polio Vaccine Bivalent and Rotavirus

3. Janani Suraksha Yojana

Objectives:
 Reduce maternal and neo-natal mortality by promoting institutional delivery
among the poor pregnant women

Target:
 All pregnant women belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
and Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
 Features:
 It is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme and it integrates cash assistance with
delivery and post-delivery care
 ASHA and AWW has been identified as an effective link between the
government and the poor pregnant women
 Cash assistance for institutional deliveries in rural and urban areas
 States were classified into Low Performing States and High Performing States
on the basis of institutional delivery rate i.e. states having institutional delivery
25% or less were termed as Low Performing States (LPS) and those which have
institutional rate more than 25% were termed as High Performing States (HPS)

4. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Objective:
 Early identification and early intervention for children from birth to 18 years to
cover 4 D’s viz. Defects of birth, Deficiencies, Diseases, Developmental delays
including disability.

Target:
 The service aims to cover children of 0-6 years of age in rural areas and urban
slums in addition to children enrolled in classes I to XII in Government and
Government aided schools

Features:
 0-6 years age group will be specifically managed at District Early Intervention
Centre (DEIC) level while for 6-18 years of age group, management of
conditions will be done through existing public health facilities
 DEIC will act as referral linkages for both the age groups
 All pre-school children below 6 years of age would be screened at the
Anganwadi centre at least twice a year
 School children aged 6 to 18 years would be screened at the local schools at
least once a year

5. ASHA

Objective:
 Trained female community health activist to work as an interface between the
community and the public health system
 Features:
 ASHA must primarily be a woman resident of the village
married/widowed/divorced, preferably in the age group of 25 to 45 years
 Auxiliary nurse midwife, commonly known as ANM, is a village level female
health worker in India who is known as the first contact person between the
community and the health services
 ANMs guide ASHAs on aspects of health care
 ANMs motivates ASHAs to bring beneficiaries to the institution

6. ‘SAATHIYA’ Resource Kit and ‘SAATHIYA SALAH’ Mobile App

Objective:
 Generate demand for the adolescent health services and imparting age
appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issues to their pair groups

‘Saathiya Salah’- ready information source for the adolescents in case they are unable
to interact with the Peer Educators