Social Protection Schemes — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment Act	1976	While not directly amending specific social protection schemes, the 42nd Amendment Act significantly expanded the scope of Directive Principles of State Policy, adding new articles like 39A (Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid), 43A (Participation of Workers in Management of Industries), and 48A (Protection and Improvement of Environment and Safeguarding of Forests and Wild Life). These additions reinforced the state's commitment to social justice and welfare, indirectly strengthening the constitutional mandate for social protection by broadening the state's responsibilities towards its citizens' well-being and rights.	Strengthened the overall socialist and welfare orientation of the Indian Constitution, providing a broader framework for future social protection legislations and policies. It emphasized the state's role in ensuring social and economic justice for all sections of society.
97th Amendment Act	2011	This amendment gave constitutional status and protection to cooperative societies. It inserted Article 43B (Promotion of Cooperative Societies) in the DPSP. While not a direct social protection scheme, cooperative societies often play a vital role in providing economic support, credit, and social services to their members, particularly in rural and informal sectors. By promoting cooperatives, the amendment indirectly supports community-based social protection mechanisms and economic empowerment.	Enhanced the legal framework for cooperative societies, which can act as self-help social protection mechanisms, especially for farmers, artisans, and small businesses, contributing to economic security and collective welfare.