Previous Year Question
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following:
Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Duties
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?
1 only
3 only
1 and 3
All of these
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a social-security programme intended to implement the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 41.
Connection with Article 41
Article 41 directs the State, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, to make effective provisions for public assistance in cases of:
Unemployment
Old age
Sickness
Disablement
Other cases of undeserved want
NSAP provides financial assistance to elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and poor families affected by the death of their primary breadwinner. It is therefore directly connected with the objectives of Article 41.
Examination of the provisions
1. Fundamental Rights—not fulfilled
NSAP is a welfare scheme. It was not launched to enforce any specific Fundamental Right enumerated in Part III of the Constitution. Its benefits are generally governed by the eligibility conditions and guidelines of the scheme.
2. Fundamental Duties—not fulfilled
Fundamental Duties under Article 51A are duties imposed upon citizens. NSAP does not require citizens to perform a Fundamental Duty; it provides social assistance through State action.
3. Directive Principles of State Policy—fulfilled
NSAP provides public assistance in situations involving old age, disability, family distress and deprivation. It therefore represents a measure for implementing Article 41.
Additional facts
NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995.
It is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Its principal components include old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, the National Family Benefit Scheme and the Annapurna Scheme.
Under Article 37, Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and the State has a duty to apply them while making laws.
Thus, fulfilment of a Directive Principle means translating the constitutional objective into governmental policies and programmes.
Conclusion: NSAP fulfils only the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 41.