The concept of welfare state. Ba 1st year, political science

INTRODUCTION:-

• In olden time, the state was a ' police state' i.e. the government had to perform the sovereign functions along with the establishment of public safety and security, administration, justice and collection of taxes and these formed the primary duties of every government.

• But democracy changed the role and functions of the government. Today, the concept of ' welfare state ' have redefined the meaning of democracy. 

• In morden times , the responsibilities and functions of government have increased beyond limits. 

DEFINITION:-

• T.W. KENT - a State that provides for its citizens a wide range of social services.

• HOBMAN - the welfare state as a compromise between communism on the one side and unbridled individualism on the other. It guarantee a minimum standard of subsistence without removing incentive to private enterprise. 

MEANING:-

• a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of economic and social well being of its citizens. 

• a welfare state is based on the principals of equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of wealth.

• it also focus on the governmental responsibility for those who are unable to avail themselves of the minimal provision of a good life. 

• under the system, the welfare of citizens is responsibility of state.

• the welfare state involves a transfer of funds from the state , to the services provided (healthcare, education, etc.) as well as directly to individuals.

• a welfare state is a state or a government meant for the welfare of the well being of the people.

• in other words, it is a government which primarily aims at the ' welfare ' of the people.

• welfare implies the benefits or different modes of aid provided to the people. 

• it can be in terms of money or services.

• cash payment, subsidies, concessions, grants and public distribution come under the term welfare. 

CHARACTERISTICS:- 

• ensure society security

• socialist in nature

• control over all the economic activities

• provide basic facilities of its citizens

• runs various enterprise

• justice to all

• planning of activities

• regulate and control

• welfare of labour

FUNCTIONS OF WELFARE STATE:-

• to protect life and property

• protect from external invasion

• maintain of law and order

• to maintain diplomatic relations with other countries

• judicial administration

• to spread education

• impose and collect taxes 

• make regulation about labour, import - export, trade and industries

• development in agricultural sector, health sector and in security sector

Here are some compulsory functions:-

- maintenance of law and order

- protection from foreign invasion

- providing justice to the people

- protects rights and freedom of the people

- governing natural resources

- regulating national monetary policy

Here are some optional functions:- 

( Social functions)

- creating social equality

- creating social justice

- social security

- control on social evil

- to provide public utility services

- environmental protection

- moral reforms

( Economic functions) 

- economic security

- planning function

- make regulation regarding trade and commerce

- imposition and collection of the tax

ADVANTAGES:-

1. equitable distribution of resources and opportunities

2. social insurance

3. provision of necessities of life

4. help the weaker section of the society

5. maintain peace and order

6. welfare programs can help reduce crime

DISADVANTAGE:-

1. risk of fraud

2. make people dependent

3. many welfare programs don't address the root cause of poverty

4. it might not be able to sustain long term support

5. costly administration