Governance for Rights-based Welfarism in India: Context and Assessment

Abstract

India’s welfare trajectory has shifted from a constitutionally grounded, state-led model to a market-oriented approach, often overlooking rights-based social security policies. This article examines the governance of rights-based welfare policies (RBWPs) targeting economic security (work and food) and human development (health and education). Despite progressive mandates, implementation remains fragmented due to siloed ministries, administrative inefficiencies and uneven fiscal allocations, particularly at sub-national levels. The shift towards market-led welfare has failed to stabilise employment or secure the rights of informal workers. Gaps between policy intent (dharma) and execution (karma), compounded by low public investment and weak inter-departmental coordination, undermine constitutional entitlements. To address these challenges, this article proposes an integrated welfare provisioning model for economic and human development (IWP-EHD), a unified ministerial framework emphasising cross-sectoral coherence, participatory planning and digital governance. This model aims to transition from charity-based welfarism to a rights-based citizenship paradigm.