Welfare State means a social system in which the State undertakes
overall responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. A welfare state seeks
to eliminate poverty, promote literacy, employment, provide essential commodities,
protect human rights, conserve the environment and undertake various other
tasks for the welfare of the citizens.
The welfare state also prevents unfair trade practices. The state plays
a key role in promoting social as well as economic welfare of the citizens. It
is the state that takes the responsibility of various welfare activities that
would benefit the citizens.
Today, almost all States are a welfare state which aim towards
eliminating poverty, promoting literacy, generating employment etc. It is the
States which undertake a lot of activities for the welfare of its citizens.