polity hard mcq

The shift from welfare-based to rights-based approach in Indian social policy is exemplified by:

  1. Continuing food subsidies without legal entitlement
  2. MGNREGA guaranteeing legal right to work instead of discretionary employment schemes
  3. Maintaining discretionary powers for officials in service delivery
  4. Relying solely on judicial intervention for rights enforcement

Answer: MGNREGA guaranteeing legal right to work instead of discretionary employment schemes

Policy evolution: (a) Welfare approach: Benefits as government largesse, discretionary, charity-based, (b) Rights-based approach: Entitlements as legal rights, justiciable, dignity-based. Examples: (a) MGNREGA (2005): Right to work vs. earlier employment schemes, (b) RTE Act (2009): Right to education vs. earlier policy commitments, (c) NFSA (2013): Right to food vs. PDS as welfare. Rights-based approach empowers citizens to claim entitlements, strengthens accountability, but requires robust implementation architecture.

Topic Rights-Based Legislation - Evolution of Approach
Exam Relevance Policy paradigm shift question critical for UPSC Mains and advanced SSC exams

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