A caring society cherishes and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, particularly those who are weak or in need of assistance. It is a society where people are driven to look out for one another, and where institutions and policies are set up to advance social welfare and social justice. A caring society is also one that values, respects and looks after its workers and volunteers who care for and support others.
Universal healthcare, affordable housing, education and training initiatives, childcare subsidies, anti-discrimination laws, and social safety nets are some of the policies and practices that support a caring society. These regulations aid in ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from society and that everyone has access to the resources they require to live a healthy, full life.
Constituional Provisions
The Indian Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) contains numerous provisions that emphasise the state’s duty to create a caring society.
- The right to a sufficient means of subsistence is emphasised in Article 39(a), while the rights to employment, education, and public aid for the poor are secured in Article 41.
- Articles 42 and Article 47 emphasise the need for public health and nutrition, reasonable and humane working conditions, and maternity leave.
- While Article 49 safeguards national landmarks and cultural assets, Article 48 aims to conserve and advance agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Together, these articles work to advance a society that values all of its members, especially the weak and the marginalised, and is just and compassionate.
Need for a Caring Society
- Reduces Inequality and Promotes Social Justice: A caring society can contribute to the reduction of inequality and the advancement of social justice by putting everyone’s wellbeing first. To level the playing field and make sure that everyone has access to the resources they need to prosper, policies and programmes that support society’s most disadvantaged people can be helpful.E.g- Reservations for individuals in India’s economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and state employment were introduced by the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.
- Positive behaviour is encouraged: People are more inclined to act positively and contribute to the well-being of others when they feel that they are part of a caring society. As a result, a more uplifting and welcoming culture may develop, and negative or destructive behaviours may be curbed. Additionally, it may also lower the crime rate in the long run. By supporting the safety and empowerment of girls, Beti Bachao Andolan encourages good behaviour in a caring society and contributes to a more gender-equitable and welcoming society.
- Supports economic growth and development: By fostering social stability and lowering the costs connected to social issues like illiteracy, homelessness, and bad health, a caring society can also help economic growth and development. Amul promoted economic growth in a compassionate society by developing a cooperative model that empowered dairy producers and gave thousands of rural households a stable source of income.
- Enhances democracy: By encouraging civic participation, social responsibility, and faith in government institutions, a compassionate society can enhance democracy. People are more likely to participate in the democratic process and support laws that advance the common good when they believe that their needs are being met and that their voices are being heard.The “MGNREGA” provides financial stability and gives residents the ability to participate in the democratic process, fostering a compassionate society and advancing democracy. It also guarantees 100 days of employment to every rural household in India.
- Promotes Cohesiveness: Encourages strong social ties and a sense of shared duty among its members, which strengthens social cohesion and community resilience. Communities that are better able to withstand crises and aid one another in difficult times may result from this. Festival observance, like that of Diwali, fosters a sense of shared cultural experience that fosters harmony, cohesion, and respect for one another. It also fosters a compassionate community that values variety while valuing cohesion.
Government Initiatives
- The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was established in 2005 with the goal of bringing high-quality, affordable healthcare to rural communities especially the vulnerable. The programme aims to build rural health infrastructure, supply necessary medications and tests, and increase the accessibility of qualified healthcare professionals.
- Ayushman Bharat: Ayushman Bharat is a national health protection programme that was introduced in 2018 and offers health insurance coverage to vulnerable groups like the underprivileged, the elderly, and people living in rural regions. The program’s objectives are to increase access to healthcare services while offering financial security against unexpectedly high medical costs.
- National Food Security Act: The National Food Security Act, which was passed in 2013, intends to give two-thirds of the Indian population access to subsidized food grains. By ensuring affordable access to necessary food grains, the programme seeks to address food insecurity and malnutrition.
- National Skill Development Mission: The National Skill Development Mission was established in 2015 to offer youngsters in India chances for training and skill development. The program’s goal is to generate a skilled labour force that will help India’s economy grow and prosper.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: To encourage sanitation and hygiene, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a national cleanliness campaign that was started in 2014. The programme strives to improve the nation’s general cleanliness and hygiene while addressing health and environmental problems brought on by inadequate sanitation.
- The National Pension Scheme (NPS): It a government-sponsored retirement savings programme, aims to give India’s residents financial security in their senior years. With this plan, people can make regular contributions to their pension fund while they are still employed and then get a pension when they reach retirement age.
- The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan: This pension programme is designed for unorganised sector workers who earn up to Rs 15,000 per month. In accordance with this plan, employees can make contributions to their pension fund during their employment and get a pension upon retirement.
- The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojna: It is a pension programme for senior adults (60 years of age and older) that guarantees an annual return of 7.4% for ten years. The Life Insurance Corporation of India is in charge of running the programme.
- Mid-Day Meal Yojna: This programme aims to give schoolchildren around the nation wholesome lunches. Children attending government-run or -aided schools are eligible for free lunches under this programme.
