📜 Article 47 of the Indian Constitution – Duty of the State to Improve Public Health
🔍 Introduction
Article 47 of the Indian Constitution is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). It places a duty on the State to improve public health, raise the standard of nutrition, and work towards the prohibition of intoxicating substances.
Since DPSPs are not legally enforceable, Article 47 acts as a guideline for the government to frame policies and laws that improve nutrition, health, and well-being in the country.
📌 Text of Article 47
"The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health."
⚖ Key Aspects of Article 47
1️⃣ Improving Public Health
🔹 The State is responsible for ensuring access to healthcare facilities and disease control.
🔹 Encourages measures to reduce malnutrition, infant mortality, and lifestyle diseases.
2️⃣ Enhancing Nutrition Levels
🔹 Directs the government to work on food security and balanced diets.
🔹 Promotes midday meal schemes, food subsidy programs, and nutritional awareness.
3️⃣ Raising Living Standards
🔹 Ensures better sanitation, clean drinking water, and hygiene for citizens.
🔹 Supports poverty alleviation programs and employment schemes.
4️⃣ Prohibition of Alcohol and Drugs
🔹 Calls for the ban on intoxicating drinks and drugs except for medicinal use.
🔹 Encourages de-addiction programs and rehabilitation centers.
🏛 Implementation of Article 47 in India
Even though Article 47 is not legally enforceable, the government has introduced various laws and schemes to promote public health and nutrition.
🔹 National Health Mission (NHM)
✅ Improves healthcare infrastructure and provides free healthcare to rural and urban poor.
🔹 Food Security Act, 2013
✅ Ensures subsidized food grains to vulnerable sections of society.
🔹 Midday Meal Scheme
✅ Provides nutritious food to school children to combat malnutrition.
🔹 Prohibition and Alcohol Laws
✅ Some states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Nagaland have imposed a complete ban on alcohol.
🔹 National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)
✅ Aims to reduce stunting, malnutrition, and anemia in women and children.
🔹 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
✅ Focuses on cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent diseases.
🌍 Significance of Article 47
📌 Encourages government efforts to improve public health and well-being.
📌 Supports policies that enhance nutrition and reduce poverty.
📌 Promotes the prohibition of harmful substances like alcohol and drugs.
📌 Lays the foundation for a healthier and more productive workforce.
📌 Aligns with international goals like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🚧 Challenges in Implementation
⚠ Inadequate healthcare facilities in rural areas.
⚠ High malnutrition and hunger rates despite food security programs.
⚠ Alcohol and drug abuse continue to rise in many states.
⚠ Lack of proper awareness and education on public health issues.
⚠ Economic losses due to alcohol prohibition in some states.
To overcome these challenges, the government needs to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enforce food security laws effectively, and implement better awareness programs on public health and nutrition.
📌 Conclusion
Article 47 highlights the State's responsibility in ensuring a healthy and well-nourished population. Over the years, India has introduced several health and nutrition-related policies, but challenges like malnutrition, healthcare accessibility, and alcohol abuse still exist.
For India to truly fulfill the vision of Article 47, there is a need for better implementation of health policies, increased government spending on public healthcare, and effective awareness programs.
📝 FAQs on Article 47
❓ What is Article 47 of the Indian Constitution?
🔹 It directs the State to improve public health, enhance nutrition, and prohibit intoxicating substances.
❓ Is Article 47 legally enforceable?
🔹 No, it is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP), meaning it serves as a guideline but is not legally binding.
❓ How does Article 47 impact public health?
🔹 It has led to the introduction of healthcare schemes, nutrition programs, and substance control laws in India.
❓ Which states have implemented alcohol prohibition?
🔹 States like Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and Mizoram have banned alcohol consumption.
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