Home The Constitution Part IV Article 38

Art. 38 Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy

State to Secure a Social Order for the Welfare of the People

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life.

(2) The State shall, in particular, strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. [Clause (2) added by the 44th Amendment, 1978]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article sets the overarching goal for the entire Directive Principles chapter: a 'welfare state' where justice — social, economic and political — genuinely shapes how institutions function, not just formal legal equality. Clause (2), added in 1978, sharpens this into a specific commitment to reduce income inequality and eliminate disparities in status and opportunity, both between individuals and between different regions or occupational groups.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the constitutional mission statement behind India's welfare programmes, progressive taxation, regional development funds, and affirmative action policies — whenever a policy is justified as reducing inequality or promoting social justice, it's usually tracing back to this Article's foundational vision.

Read alongside this one

Art. 39 — Certain Principles of Policy

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 38

Is 'welfare state' an enforceable legal standard?

Not directly — like other Directive Principles, it's a goal for policy-making, though courts have referenced it when interpreting the reasonableness of welfare legislation.

← PreviousArticle 37: Directive Principles Not Enforceable by Courts Next →Article 39: Certain Principles of Policy

The text above reproduces Article 38 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.