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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
From welfare schemes to rights-based entitlements: A conceptual analysis of social security architecture in India
Authors
Dr. Chaganti Rami Reddy
Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual analysis of
the transformation of India’s social security architecture from scheme-based
welfare interventions to rights-based entitlements. Traditionally, social
protection in India operated through targeted and discretionary welfare schemes
aimed at poverty alleviation and risk mitigation. However, recent policy shifts
reflect a growing emphasis on legal enforceability, accountability, and
citizen-centered governance. The study examines the normative, institutional,
and technological dimensions of this transition, highlighting how statutory
guarantees, grievance redress mechanisms, and participatory governance
frameworks are reshaping state–citizen relations. It further analyzes the
emergence of a hybrid architecture in which legacy welfare schemes coexist with
legally backed entitlements, generating both opportunities and coordination
challenges. The integration of digital public infrastructure is explored as a
transformative force enhancing efficiency and transparency, while also raising
concerns regarding digital exclusion and equity. By synthesizing theoretical
and policy perspectives, the paper argues that the rights-based turn signifies
a paradigm shift toward social justice and constitutional accountability.
Nevertheless, the realization of these entitlements depends on administrative
capacity, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive governance. The study
contributes to contemporary debates on welfare state transformation and
inclusive development in emerging economies.
Pages:20-25
How to cite this article:
Dr. Chaganti Rami Reddy "From welfare schemes to rights-based entitlements: A conceptual analysis of social security architecture in India". International Journal of Advanced Educational Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 20-25
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