The concept of public welfare state:
This is a modern principle of scope of state. This word is especially used to denote such a state which is not contented by merely making arrangements with regard to justice, security and internal system for its citizens, but it also makes all efforts in the direction of making improvements in all the attributes of life for their well – being.
The concept of public welfare state is an amalgamation of individualism and socialism. It does not abduct the freedom of an individual like socialism and resolves or dispose off maximum state activities like individualism. The main objective, which works in the back of public welfare state, is to improvise happiness and prosperity of an individual, and for this objective, a state should perform necessary service – related activities.
In the development of the concept of public welfare state, the contribution from England has been remarkable. Political thinkers such as J.S. Mill and Bentham have included the philosophy of a welfare state in utilitarian doctrine. In the times of Queen Elizabeth I of England, the advent of ‘Rule of poor’ was intended to benefit those who were poor and physically impaired. The spirit of public welfare was embedded in it.
The fabian socialist philosophers of England candidly contributed in the development of the concept of welfare state. The labour party government of England adopted and implemented many progressive policies by nationalization of industries. In moden period, Prof. Harold Laski is thought to be the leading thinker who have propounded the concept of a welfare state.
