Doctrine Of Trusteeship

The Doctrine of Trusteeship is a socio-economic philosophy developed by Mahatma Gandhi. It offers a way to address wealth inequality by promoting a moral and ethical approach to wealth ownership and distribution, without the use of force or revolution.

Key Features:

• Wealth as a Trust: Gandhi believed that wealth does not belong solely to the individual who possesses it. Instead, it should be considered a trust, held by the wealthy on behalf of society.
• Voluntary Surrender: The rich should voluntarily use their surplus wealth for the welfare of the poor, not because of government enforcement but from a sense of duty and moral responsibility.
• No Exploitation: The doctrine rejects exploitation and promotes a just and fair economic order.
• Non-violent and Ethical: Trusteeship aligns with Gandhi's principle of non-violence (Ahimsa), advocating for peaceful and ethical socio-economic reform.
• Upliftment of the Poor: The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and promote the welfare of all through self-regulation and moral obligation.

The Doctrine of Trusteeship is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, but its spirit and principles are reflected in certain parts — especially in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

Key Points:

• No direct mention: The Constitution does not use the term "trusteeship" anywhere.
• Indirect reflection: The idea is indirectly embedded in the Directive Principles (Part IV of the Constitution), which guide the state in policy-making to ensure social and economic justice.

Articles that reflect the spirit of trusteeship:

1. Constitution of India – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Though the Doctrine of Trusteeship is not legally enforceable, its spirit is reflected in the DPSP:
   • Article 38: Promotes welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice (social, economic, and political) informs all institutions of life.
   • Article 39(b): Ensures that ownership and control of material resources are distributed to best subserve the common good.
   • Article 39(c): Prevents concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.
   • Article 43: Encourages the promotion of cottage industries and workers' participation in management — aligning with Gandhian ideals.
2. Gandhian Principles in the Constitution: The Gandhian principles in the DPSP (like Articles 40, 43, 46, 48) promote decentralized economy, rural development, and support for weaker sections, which reflect the moral and ethical foundations of trusteeship.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Companies Act, 2013: Though not directly named as trusteeship, Section 135 of the Companies Act mandates certain companies to spend at least 2% of their profits on social welfare activities. This embodies the trusteeship idea of wealth being used for the benefit of society.
4. Taxation and Welfare Schemes: Progressive taxation and redistributive schemes (like subsidies, MNREGA, public health and education spending) can be seen as modern tools aligned with the trusteeship idea — using wealth for the common good.

The Doctrine of Trusteeship is not a constitutional provision, but a Gandhian philosophy that influences constitutional values — especially those aimed at equity, welfare, and ethical use of resources.