In the opinion of the famous western thinker Jeremy Bentham, ‘the goal of state is the maximum happiness of the maximum number.’ Common good or people’s welfare is the function of all states. In the opinion of Greek thinkers Plato and Aristotle, the primary duty of a state is to provide better life to its citizens.

States have numerous functions in modem times. The functions of a state can be divided as obligatory functions and discretionary functions.

Obligatory functions: 

Obligatory functions are those that the state has to implement at all times at any cost. State cannot abstain from its obligatory functions. If obligatory functions are not performed, the life and property of people cannot be protected. Some of the obligatory functions of the state are maintenance of internal peace, protection of rights, protection of boundary, etc.

Discretionary functions: 

Discretionary functions of the state are those which have to be implemented depending on the economic condition of the country. Some of the discretionary functions of the state are to provide health care, education, transport facilities and to implement welfare schemes.The implementation of these functions will ensure better living condition to people.

In a welfare state, it is the duty of the state to undertake these progressive measures. It is not possible to fix a limit to the discretionary functions of the state. The growth of technology and the increase in human needs broaden the discretionary functions.