Introduction:
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are an important part of the Indian Constitution. They are mentioned in Part IV, from Article 36 to 51. These principles guide the government in making laws and policies for the welfare of the people. Although they are not legally enforceable, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country.
For competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and Railway, understanding DPSP is essential as many questions are asked directly from this topic. This blog post explains DPSP in simple language, along with examples, article-wise breakdown, and expected questions. Let’s explore these principles and understand how they shape Indian governance.
What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are guidelines or instructions given to the government to make laws and policies for the welfare of the people. They are included in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36 to 51). These principles are not enforceable by any court, but they are considered essential for good governance.
Example: When the government brings schemes like Mid-Day Meal in schools to provide free lunch to children, it follows the spirit of DPSP (Article 47: duty to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living).
Features of DPSP
1. DPSPs are borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
2. They act as moral obligations for the government.
3. These are non-justiciable (not enforceable by court).
4. Aim to establish social and economic democracy in India.
5. Can be used to evaluate the performance of the government.
Classification of DPSP: With
Examples
DPSPs are divided into three types:
1. Socialist Principles:
These promote economic and social justice.
·
Article 38: State to
promote welfare of the people.
Example: MNREGA (employment guarantee scheme)
·
Article 39(b): Distribution
of wealth to serve the common good.
Example: Land reform laws to distribute land
to landless farmers.
·
Article 43: Living
wage, decent work for all workers.
Example: Minimum Wage Act, labour welfare
schemes.
2. Gandhian Principles:
Based on Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology.
·
Article 40: Formation
of Panchayati Raj institutions.
Example: 73rd Constitutional Amendment
established Panchayats.
·
Article 46: Promote
education and welfare of SCs, STs.
Example: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric
scholarships for SC/ST students.
·
Article 48: Organisation
of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Example: Policies against cow slaughter in
many states.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles:
These focus on individual liberty and international peace.
· Article 44: Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
· Article 45: Free and compulsory education for children (now under Article 21A).
· Article 50: Separation of judiciary from executive.
Important Articles under DPSP
(Article 36 to 51)
🔹 Article 36 – Definition
Meaning: Defines
“State” the same way as in Part III (Fundamental Rights).
Example: The term “State” includes Government of India,
Parliament, state governments, and local authorities like municipal bodies.
🔹 Article 37 –
Application of DPSP
Meaning: DPSPs
are not enforceable by law but are fundamental for governance.
Example:
You cannot go to court if a directive principle is not followed, but
governments still follow them to improve welfare (like launching schemes for
poor).
🔹 Article 38 –
Social Welfare
Meaning: State
must work for a fair society—economic and social justice for all.
Example: Schemes like PMAY (housing for poor) aim to
reduce the gap between rich and poor.
🔹 Article 39 –
Principles of Policy
Meaning: Guidelines for policies that ensure
equal rights to livelihood, fair wages, and no concentration of wealth.
Example: MNREGA (100 days work for rural unemployed)
ensures right to livelihood.
🔹 Article 39A –
Equal Justice and Legal Aid
Meaning: Everyone should get justice, even if
they can’t afford lawyers.
Example: Legal Services Authorities provide free legal
aid to poor people.
🔹 Article 40 –
Village Panchayats
Meaning: The State should promote local
self-governance through Panchayati Raj.
Example: Gram Panchayats managing village development.
🔹 Article 41 – Right
to Work, Education, and Public Assistance
Meaning: The State should help people get work,
education, and aid in case of old age or sickness.
Example: PM-SYM scheme gives pension to unorganised
sector workers.
🔹 Article 42 – Just
and Humane Work Conditions
Meaning: Provide safe work conditions and
maternity relief.
Example: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act gives 26
weeks’ paid leave.
🔹 Article 43 –
Living Wage for Workers
Meaning: Workers should get fair wages and
decent living conditions.
Example: Minimum Wages Act ensures fair pay in
industries.
🔹 Article 43A –
Worker Participation in Management
Meaning: Workers should be part of management
decisions in industries.
Example: Some PSUs include worker representatives on
boards.
🔹 Article 44 –
Uniform Civil Code
Meaning: All citizens should have a common
civil law (marriage, inheritance, etc.) regardless of religion.
Example: UCC is still under debate; Goa is the only state
with UCC in practice.
Citizenship in India – Meaning, Types & Provisions
Explained (Article :5 – 11)
🔹 Article 45 – Early
Childhood Care and Education
Meaning: Free pre-primary education for all
children under age 6.
Example:
Anganwadi centres provide early education and nutrition.
🔹 Article 46 –
Education and Economic Interest of Weaker Sections
Meaning: Promote interests of SC, ST, and other
weaker sections.
Example: Scholarships for SC/ST students, reservation in
jobs/education.
🔹 Article 47 –
Nutrition and Public Health
Meaning: Raise nutrition level, improve public
health, and ban drugs harmful to health.
Example:
Mid-Day Meal Scheme in schools improves child nutrition.
🔹 Article 48 –
Organisation of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Meaning: Improve animal breeds, and prohibit
cow slaughter.
Example: Cow protection laws in many Indian states.
🔹 Article 48A –
Protection of Environment
Meaning: The State must protect the
environment, forests, and wildlife.
Example: Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or ban on
single-use plastics.
🔹 Article 49 –
Protection of Monuments and Heritage
Meaning: Safeguard monuments and places of
artistic or historical interest.
Example: ASI protects historical sites like Red Fort, Taj
Mahal.
🔹 Article 50 –
Separation of Judiciary from Executive
Meaning: Courts should be independent from
government control.
Example: Judges are appointed separately and are not part
of executive work.
🔹 Article 51 –
Promotion of International Peace
Meaning: India should promote peace and
respect for international law.
Example: India’s peacekeeping missions with the UN.
Directive Principles vs Fundamental Rights
|
Fundamental Rights |
DPSP |
|
Legally Enforceable |
Not Enforceable |
|
Individual-centric |
Society-centric |
|
Found in Part III |
Found in Part IV |
|
Justiciable |
Non-Justiciable |
|
Provide Political Democracy |
Aim for Social & Economic Democracy |
Importance
of DPSP in Indian Polity
1. DPSPs help in creating a welfare state.
2. They provide moral direction to government policies.
3. Many laws like Right to Education, Equal Pay for Equal Work, Panchayati Raj, Environmental Protection are influenced by DPSP.
4. DPSP act as a bridge between Fundamental Rights and the directive goals of the Preamble.
DPSP Questions in SSC, UPSC, Railway Exams
1. From which Constitution were DPSPs
borrowed?
Irish Constitution ✅
2. Which part of the Constitution deals
with DPSP?
Part IV ✅
3. Which article talks about Uniform
Civil Code?
Article 44 ✅
4. Are DPSPs justiciable?
No ✅
5. Which DPSP is related to Panchayati
Raj?
Article 40 ✅
Summary: One Page Revision Notes
· DPSP = Part IV, Article 36–51
· Not enforceable, but fundamental in governance
· 3 Types: Socialist, Gandhian, Liberal
· Inspired by: Irish Constitution
· Aim: Welfare of all citizens, Social and Economic Democracy
Attempt MCQ Quiz:
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Attempt Quiz 1 |
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Attempt Quiz 2 |
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Attempt Quiz 3 |
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