Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are non-legally binding instructions for the Indian government in formulating laws, with the objective of establishing a welfare state characterized by social and economic fairness. Although courts cannot directly enforce them, these principles are fundamental to the nation’s administration, placing a duty on the State to consider them during lawmaking. The DPSP’s purpose is to foster a society where all citizens can lead a dignified life with access to basic necessities and opportunities.

These principles are broadly grouped into socialistic (aiming for economic and social parity), Gandhian (emphasizing village autonomy and traditional industries), and liberal-intellectual (promoting a uniform legal framework and education). Despite their non-justiciable nature, the DPSP hold significant value as a moral compass for governance, guiding policy creation, aiding in the assessment of governmental effectiveness, inspiring legislative actions, and advancing social and economic democracy. They embody the aspirations and objectives that the Indian State should pursue to achieve a just, equitable, and welfare-oriented society for all its people.

I. Time To Learn
Fill in the blanks:

1. Directive Principles are given in part ______ of the Constitution of India.

Ans: IV 

2. The state shall endeavour to provide employment to every individual, is a Directive Principle ________________________________ .

Ans: concerned with Economic Equality.

3. The state shall work for the separation of the executive and judicial powers, is a Directive Principle concerned with_________________ .

Ans: administration.

4. Uniform system of civil and criminal laws in the country, is a Directive Principle under _____________________ .

Ans: the law and justice.

5. There should be prohibition as to the use of intoxicating drinks and other drugs, is a Directive Principle concerned with________________________________________________.

Ans: principles relating to social equality and educational upliftment.

II. Match the contents of Column A with those of Column B:

Answer:

III. Tick mark (✓) the correct statements ami cross mark (X) the wrong ones:

1. That the institution of the Panchayati Raj is one of the Directive Principles related to Economic Equality.
   X
2. That the state shall protect ancient monuments, is one of the Directive Principles pertaining to Social Equality and Educational Uplift.
   X
3. That the state shall ensure equal pay for equal work, is one of the Directive Principles relating to Economic Equality.
   X
4. That the state shall always favour and encourage international peace and security through diplomatic channels, is a Directive Principle of administrative importance.
   X
5. Directive Principles get protection from the law courts
   X

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
What are “Directive Principles”? Why can Directive Principles not be ignored by a government even though they are not justiciable?
Ans:

Directive Principles are non-enforceable guidelines in the Indian Constitution for the government when making laws, aiming to create a welfare state with social and economic justice. Even though courts can’t directly enforce them, governments can’t ignore them because they are fundamental to governance, act as a moral compass, are a basis for judging performance, influence laws and judicial interpretation, aim for socio-economic democracy, and reflect the people’s aspirations. Ignoring them risks public disapproval and failing to achieve the Constitution’s vision of a just society.

Question 2.

Why are Directive Principles important? Mention any five Directive Principles.

Ans:

Directive Principles (DPSP) are vital, non-enforceable guidelines for the Indian government in law-making, aiming for a welfare state with social and economic justice. Though not legally binding, they are fundamental to governance, acting as a moral compass and a benchmark for government performance. Five key DPSP include ensuring adequate livelihood for all, the right to work and education, fair wages and working conditions, improved public health, and the promotion of international peace. These principles guide the state towards creating a just and equitable society.

Question 3.

Which Directive Principles relate to the establishment of a socialist society?

Ans:

Article	Core Directive	Focus on Social Justice and Economic Welfare
38	Minimize Inequalities	The state must actively work to reduce disparities not just in income, but also in status, facilities, and opportunities among individuals and groups.
39	Equitable Resource Distribution	Policy must ensure the ownership and control of material resources serve the common good and actively prevent the concentration and monopolization of wealth and the means of production.
41	Right to Public Aid	Requires the state to secure the rights to work, education, and public assistance (e.g., in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability).
42	Just and Humane Work Conditions	Mandates the state to make provision for ensuring working environments are just and humane and to provide support for maternity relief for women.
43	Living Wage for Workers	Directs the state to secure a living wage, suitable working conditions, and a dignified standard of life for all workers.
43A	Worker Participation in Management	Requires the state to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management and decision-making processes of industrial undertakings.
47	Improve Public Health	Imposes a primary duty on the state to raise the level of nutrition, the standard of living, and undertake improvement in public health (including prohibiting consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs).

Question 4.

Which directive Principle concerns the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

Ans:

The core constitutional mandate addressing the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) is found in Article 46, a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP).

Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests

This article places a dual obligation upon the State:

1. Promotion of Interests: The State must actively work to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, specifically identifying the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for special attention.
2. Protection from Exploitation: Furthermore, the State is mandated to provide protection to these communities from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Question 5.

How do the Directive Principles of State Policy seek to promote internationalism?

Ans:

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution, specifically Article 51, are dedicated to the promotion of internationalism. This article lays down the principles that the State should endeavor to follow in its international relations. These principles directly aim to foster a peaceful and just global order, thereby promoting internationalism.  

Here’s how Article 51 seeks to promote internationalism:

• Promotion of International Peace and Security: The most direct aspect is the State’s endeavor to actively promote peace and security among nations. This encourages India to be a responsible global actor, advocating for peaceful resolutions and stability in the international arena.  
• Maintenance of Just and Honourable Relations Between Nations: This principle emphasizes the importance of treating all nations with fairness and respect, fostering goodwill and understanding. It discourages any form of exploitation or unjust practices in international dealings.  
• Fostering Respect for International Law and Treaty Obligations: By urging the State to respect international laws and treaties, the DPSP promotes adherence to a common global framework. This is crucial for maintaining a rule-based international order and fostering cooperation.  
• Encouragement of Settlement of International Disputes by Arbitration: This principle advocates for peaceful and diplomatic means of resolving conflicts between nations, specifically highlighting arbitration as a preferred method over resorting to aggression or unilateral actions.

Question 6.

What is the difference between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Ans:

Fundamental Rights (FRs):

• Part: III
• Focus: Individual rights, limits state power.
• Enforceability: Justiciable (courts can enforce).
• Aim: Political democracy.
• Sanction: Legal.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs):

• Part: IV
• Focus: Socio-economic goals for the state.
• Enforceability: Non-justiciable (courts can’t directly enforce).
• Aim: Social and economic democracy, welfare state.
• Sanction: Moral and political.

V. Write short notes on the following:

Question 1.
Principles relating to economic equality.
Ans:

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) focused on fostering economic equality mandate the State to:

• Actively reduce disparities in income and strive to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities across individuals and groups (Article 38).
• Guarantee that all citizens, irrespective of gender, have the right to an adequate means of sustenance (Article 39a).
• Ensure that the ownership and control of the community’s material resources are distributed to best serve the collective welfare (Article 39b).
• Prevent the economic system from operating in a manner that leads to the concentration of wealth and the means of production to the detriment of the general public (Article 39c).
• Secure equal remuneration for men and women performing work of equal value (Article 39d).
• Facilitate equal access to justice and provide free legal assistance to those facing economic disadvantages (Article 39A).
• Endeavor to secure the right to employment for all citizens, within the limits of the State’s economic capabilities (Article 41).
• Strive to guarantee a basic living wage, working conditions that ensure a dignified standard of life, and opportunities for leisure and socio-cultural engagement for all workers (Article 43).

Question 2.

Principles pertaining to social equality and educational uplift.

Ans:

Social Equality & Educational Uplift (Constitution):

Fundamental Rights (enforceable):

• Art. 14: Equality before law.
• Art. 15: No discrimination (allows special provisions for backward classes).
• Art. 16: Equal opportunity in public employment (allows reservations).
• Art. 17: Abolishes untouchability.

Directive Principles (guiding policies):

• Art. 38: Promotes social, economic, political justice; minimizes inequalities.
• Art. 39: Adequate livelihood, equitable resource distribution.
• Art. 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
• Art. 41: Right to education (within capacity).
• Art. 45: Early childhood care & education (initially free & compulsory education).
• Art. 46: Promotes educational & economic interests of SCs/STs; protects from exploitation.

Question 3.

Directive Principles help in the success of a democratic government?

Ans:

Yes, DPSPs help a democratic government succeed by:

• Guiding policies towards a just and equitable society.
• Aiming for a welfare state and citizen well-being.
• Promoting socio-economic democracy and inclusion.
• Providing a benchmark for government performance.
• Influencing laws and judicial interpretation.
• Fostering social harmony and stability.

Essentially, they provide the ethical and socio-economic roadmap for a successful democracy focused on its people’s welfare.

Additional Questions
(Directive Principles of State Policy)

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The __________  which all governments are expected to follow for the _________  of the people are known as Directive Principles of State Policy.

Ans:  guidelines ,  welfare 

2. The Directive Principles contain a list of important and basic ___________ and __________ rights which the farmers of the Constitution wanted every Indian to enjoy.

Ans: economic and social 

3. To establish economic equality in the country, the government is directed to ensure a _________ and _________ distribution of the __________ and ____________ of the country.

Ans: fair and equal , wealth and material resources 

4. The government is directed to promote ___________ industries in villages and prohibit the ___________ of cows and other cattle according to the Gandhian principles.

Ans: cottage , slaughter

5. Free and compulsory ____________ for all children between 6 and 14 years has been made a Fundamental Right.

Ans: education 

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer: 

1. After 200 years of foreign rule, the Indian economy was strong/stable/ruined.

Ans. 

After 200 years of foreign rule, the Indian economy was ruined.

2. The Directive Principles can be classified into three/ four/five
Ans. 

The Directive Principles can be classified into three categories.

3. Some of the ideas of R. Ambedkar/Jawaharlal Nehru/Mahatma Gandhi were included as Directive Principles.
Ans. 

Some of the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi were included as Directive Principles.

4. One of the Gandhian Principles/General Principles/ Principles promoting economic equality directs the government to prevent the consumption of liquor.
Ans. 

One of the Gandhian Principles directs the government to prevent the consumption of liquor.

5. The Directive Principles ask the government to provide free legal aid/economic help/housing.
Ans. 

The Directive Principles ask the government to provide free legal aid.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. The farmers of our Constitution had a dream of a welfare state.
   True.

2. The provision of free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 is a General Principle.
   False.

3. The Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy do not have the same purpose.
   False.   

4. If you are deprived of your Fundamental Rights, you
   True.
5. can go to the High Court or the Supreme Court to seek protection and enforcement of your rights.
   True.
6. India has achieved the goal of a Welfare State.
   False.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.

Define a welfare state?

Ans:

A welfare state denotes a system of governance wherein the state assumes a substantial role in safeguarding and advancing the economic and social prosperity of its citizenry. This typically operates on the foundational tenets of equal opportunity for all, a more equitable distribution of societal wealth, and the principle of collective public responsibility for those unable to adequately support themselves.

Fundamentally, a welfare state seeks to establish a social safety net and ensure a certain baseline standard of living for all individuals through the provision of various publicly funded social programs and services. These commonly encompass areas such as healthcare, education, unemployment assistance, retirement pensions, social security provisions, and housing support.

Question 2.

What are Directive Principles of State Policy?

Ans:

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are non-enforceable guidelines in the Indian Constitution (Part IV) that direct the government to aim for social and economic justice and establish a welfare state. They are fundamental for governance, providing moral and political obligations to create a just society, inspired by the Irish Constitution.

Question 3.

Mention the categories into which Directive Principles can be, classified.

Ans:

Directive Principles are broadly classified into:

1. Socialist: Aiming for social and economic justice.
2. Gandhian: Based on Gandhi’s ideals (village self-rule, etc.).
3. Liberal-Intellectual: Focusing on uniform civil code, education, environment, etc.
4. (Sometimes) International Peace and Security: Promoting global harmony.

Question 4.

Mention any one Directive Principle that seeks to promote economic equality between men and women.

Ans:

This constitutional directive specifically mandates that the State shall endeavor to secure “equal pay for equal work for both men and women.” This principle directly addresses gender-based wage disparities and seeks to ensure economic fairness in employment by requiring that individuals performing work of equivalent value receive the same remuneration, irrespective of their gender.

Question 5.

What is the significance of the Right to Education Act of 2009?

Ans:

The RTE Act 2009 is significant because it made education a fundamental right for ages 6-14, ensures free and compulsory schooling, aims for universal access and enrollment, emphasizes quality education with qualified teachers, promotes inclusivity through reservations, mandates a child-friendly system (no punishment, screening fees), and involves parents and the community in school management.

Question 6.

Why can you not seek justice in a court of law if the government does not give you a job?

Ans:

You can’t directly sue the government for not giving you a job because the Right to Work is a Directive Principle (Article 41), not a Fundamental Right.

• Fundamental Rights (Part III) are justiciable, meaning you can go to court if they are violated.
• Directive Principles (Part IV) are non-justiciable, serving as guidelines for the government but not legally enforceable by individuals.

While the government should strive to provide work, it’s not a right you can demand in court like freedom of speech or equality.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
Why did the farmers of the Constitution not establish a welfare state in India in 1949? What steps did they take to help future governments to achieve the goal of a welfare state?
Ans:

In 1949, the framers of the Indian Constitution refrained from fully establishing a welfare state primarily due to the nascent nation’s constrained resources and the immediate imperatives of consolidating national unity and building fundamental institutions. The pressing needs of addressing widespread poverty and underdevelopment took precedence over the immediate implementation of comprehensive welfare measures.

However, to guide future governments towards this objective, the Constitution’s architects deliberately incorporated the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) as non-justiciable yet fundamental guidelines for governance. These principles were intended to:

• Articulate clear socio-economic aspirations indicative of a welfare state model.
• Impose a moral and political imperative on successive administrations to prioritize these goals in policymaking.
• Furnish a conceptual framework for future legislation aimed at achieving social and economic justice.
• Serve as a guiding interpretative lens for the judiciary in understanding the Constitution’s broader aims.
• Offer a flexible and adaptable roadmap allowing for the progressive expansion of welfare measures in accordance with the nation’s evolving capacity and priorities.

In essence, the framers adopted a pragmatic initial stance while strategically embedding aspirational directives to steer subsequent governments towards the gradual realization of a welfare state in India.

Question 2.

State one Directive Principle with regard to each of the following: (a) wealth and material resources (b) weaker sections of society (c) foreign affairs.

Ans:

(a) Wealth & Resources: Article 39(b) directs the State to distribute ownership and control of material resources for the greatest common good, preventing concentration of wealth.

(b) Weaker Sections: Article 46 mandates the State to prioritize the education and economic upliftment of vulnerable groups like SCs/STs and protect them from exploitation and injustice.

(c) Foreign Affairs: Article 51(a) commits the State to actively promote international peace and security.

Question 3.

Mention two Directive Principles with reference to each of the following:

(a) Development of villages (b) Health

Ans:

(a) Village Development:

1. Article 40: Organize empowered village self-governments (Panchayats).
2. Article 43: Promote rural cottage industries.

(b) Health:

1. Article 47: Improve public health, nutrition, and combat harmful substances.
2. Article 39(e): Protect worker and child health from abuse and unsuitable work.

Question 4.

Mention the category under which the following principles are classified:

(a) a decent standard of living and leisure (b) prevention of the slaughter of cows and other cattle (c) protection of the environment.

Ans:

(a) Decent Living & Leisure: Socialist.

(b) Cow Slaughter Prevention: Gandhian.

(c) Environment Protection: Liberal-Intellectual.

Question 5.

Compare and contrast the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Ans:

Fundamental Rights (FRs):

• Part III: Legally enforceable individual rights limiting state power.
• Aim for political democracy.
• Legal sanctions for violation.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs):

• Part IV: Non-enforceable socio-economic guidelines for the state.
• Aim for social and economic democracy, welfare state.
• Moral and political influence.

Key Difference: FRs are justiciable (courts can enforce); DPSPs are non-justiciable (courts cannot directly enforce).

Relationship: Both are fundamental, aiming for a just society; FRs provide political rights, DPSPs outline socio-economic goals.

Question 6.

Briefly discuss the efforts made by various governments to implement the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Ans:

Governments have tried to implement DPSPs through:

• Land reforms for equitable resource distribution (Art. 39).
• Labor laws for fair working conditions and wages (Arts. 42, 43).
• Social justice policies like reservations (Art. 46).
• Poverty alleviation and employment schemes (Arts. 38, 41, 47).
• Efforts towards universal education and public health (Arts. 45, 47).
• Environmental protection laws (Art. 48A).
• Decentralization through Panchayati Raj (Art. 40).
• Legal aid and promotion of cooperatives (Arts. 39A, 43B).

G Picture study:

This is the picture of the Father of our Nation, who championed the cause of the poor and downtrodden people in India.

Question 1.
Identify the person in the picture.
Ans:
Father of our nation Mahatama Gandhi

Question 2.
Mention any two of his ideas that were included in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Ans:

Drawing from the description identifying the figure as Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation who advocated for the impoverished and marginalized, here are two of his tenets that found their way into the Directive Principles of State Policy:

1. Establishment of Village Self-Governance: Article 40 of the Indian Constitution mandates, “The State shall undertake measures to structure village panchayats and bestow upon them the necessary authority to operate as autonomous units of governance.” This embodies Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj, envisioning villages as self-sufficient entities managing their own administration.
   
2. Encouragement of Rural Cottage Industries: Article 43 stipulates, “The State shall strive to foster cottage industries on an individual or cooperative basis in rural territories.” This resonates with Gandhi’s stress on bolstering rural economic independence through the promotion of traditional crafts and small-scale production in villages, aiming to generate employment and lessen reliance on large-scale industrialization.

Question 3.
What does the term Directive Principles of State Policy mean?
Ans:

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) , contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, serve as foundational non-justiciable instructions or guidelines for the governance of the country.

These principles articulate the goal of establishing a welfare state in India by guiding the Central and State governments toward achieving social and economic justice.

Key Characteristics:

1. Non-Enforceable: DPSPs are not legally enforceable by any court; citizens cannot compel the government to implement them.
2. Moral and Political Obligation: Despite being non-justiciable, they are considered fundamental to the governance of the nation. Governments are morally and politically bound to follow these principles while formulating laws and policies.
3. Aspiration for Justice: They aim to secure a just social order by laying down aspirations for:
   • Securing adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
   • Equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
   • Promotion of educational and economic interests of the weaker sections.
   • Environmental protection.

Question 4.
Mention one important difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
Ans:
A key distinguishing factor between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles lies in their legal enforceability.

• Fundamental Rights are justiciable, granting individuals the right to seek legal recourse in courts, including the High Courts and the Supreme Court, for their protection against violation. The judiciary possesses the authority to issue directives to ensure the upholding of these rights.
  
• Conversely, Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable, meaning they are not directly enforceable through legal action. Individuals cannot petition the courts to compel the government to implement these principles. They function as guiding tenets for the State in the formulation of laws and policies, but they do not establish legally actionable rights for citizens.