In this article, the socio-philosophical essence of the concept of a “people-oriented state” is analysed. The historical roots of the principle of people-centrism and its manifestations in Eastern and Western philosophical traditions are examined. The author reveals the dialectical relationship between state and society through the categories of human dignity and social justice, identifying the core features that distinguish a people-oriented state from the paternalistic model. Using contemporary Uzbekistan as a case study, the article shows how social policy, legal reforms, and the development of civil-society institutions influence the benchmarks of people-oriented governance. Employing conceptual analysis, historical-genetic inquiry, and normative approaches, the study offers theoretical conclusions and practical recommendations for both the conceptual foundations and real-world implementation of the people-oriented state idea.