Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

Targeted welfare is differential treatment, but it is not necessarily unjust discrimination; its legitimacy depends on whether it corrects structural disadvantage through fair criteria.

Why targeting is justified

• Historical exclusion based on caste, gender, disability, poverty and location produces unequal starting points.
• Article 15(3), reservations and Directive Principles permit positive measures to achieve substantive equality.
• Targeting can direct scarce resources to those facing the greatest capability deprivation.

Risks

• Exclusion errors, documentary burdens, stigma and fragmented categories can deny eligible beneficiaries.
• Political targeting, creamy-layer concerns and weak portability may create new inequities.
• Over-targeting can overlook universal goods such as health, education, nutrition and clean environment.

The correct approach combines universal basic services with targeted additional support, transparent criteria, social audits, grievance redress and periodic review. Welfare is discriminatory only when differential treatment lacks a rational, inclusionary and constitutional purpose.

governance, social justice, welfare schemes, affirmative action