Question map
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following: 1. Fundamental Rights 2. Fundamental Duties 3. Directive Principles of State Policy Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India ?
Explanation
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is expressly framed as a measure to provide social assistance (pensions and subsistence support for old age, widowhood and disability) and is described by official sources as a significant step towards fulfilling the Directive Principles in Article 41 (public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, disablement, unemployment) [2]. Article 41 and related DPSPs obligate the State to make provision for such social security, but these provisions are non-justiciable (not enforceable as fundamental rights) and serve as guiding principles for governance [4]. Fundamental Duties are obligations on citizens and do not mandate social welfare schemes. Hence NSAP fulfills Directive Principles only (option: 3 only).
Sources
- [1] https://nsap.nic.in/nsap/aboutus.pdf
- [2] https://pnrd.assam.gov.in/schemes/national-social-assistance-programme-0
- [3] https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/(IV)Social%20Security%20and%20Employment.pdf
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30