Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs):part 1

Introduction

DPSPs are enshrined in Articles 36 to 51 of Part IV of the Indian Constitution.
Purpose: To establish a welfare state ensuring social, economic, and political justice.
Inspired by the Irish and Spanish Constitutions and the “Instrument of Instructions” in the Government of India Act, 1935.
Non-justiciable: Courts cannot enforce them directly, but they guide legislation and government policy.
Significance: They aim to reduce poverty, inequality, and social injustice and promote social welfare.

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Articles and Overview

Article	Content/Objective
36	Definition of “State” (same as in Part III).
37	DPSPs are non-justiciable, but fundamental in governance.
38	Promote social, economic, and political justice; minimize inequalities.
39	State policy should ensure: adequate livelihood, equitable distribution of wealth, equal pay, protection of children and workers, and healthy development of children.
39A	Equal justice and free legal aid for all citizens (42nd AA, 1976).
40	Organisation of village panchayats; local self-government.
41	Right to work, education, and assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, or disablement.
42	Just and humane working conditions, maternity relief.
43	Promote cottage industries for rural self-reliance.
43A	Worker participation in management of industries (42nd AA, 1976).
43B	Promotion of cooperative societies (97th AA, 2011).
44	Uniform Civil Code.
45	Free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years (modified by 86th AA, 2002 as Article 21A).
46	Promote education and economic interests of weaker sections (SC/ST/OBC).
47	Improve nutrition, standard of living, public health; prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs.
48	Organize agriculture & animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines; prohibit slaughter of cows, calves, and draught animals.
48A	Protect and improve environment, forests, and wildlife (42nd AA, 1976).
49	Protect monuments and places of national importance.
50	Separation of judiciary from executive in state services.
51	Promote international peace, respect for international law, and arbitration of disputes.

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Classification of DPSPs

For easier understanding, DPSPs can be classified into three broad categories:

Socialist Principles
Reduce economic inequalities and promote social justice.
Articles: 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 46, 47.
Gandhian Principles
Promote village democracy, cottage industries, prohibition, and cow protection.
Articles: 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48.
Liberal-Intellectual Principles
Promote individual rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and rule of law.
Articles: 39, 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, 51.

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Features of DPSPs

Directive in nature: Non-justiciable but guiding principles for governance.
Fundamental to governance: Duty of the state to apply them in law-making.
Goal-oriented: Aim to establish a welfare state and ensure social and economic justice.
Flexible: Can be amended according to changing socio-economic needs.
Complement Fundamental Rights: Work together with Fundamental Rights to achieve equality and justice.

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Significance

Ensures equity in social, economic, and political spheres.
Helps reduce poverty, unemployment, and inequalities.
Promotes welfare schemes like Five-Year Plans, Minimum Wages, Legal Aid, Child Labour Regulation, Maternity Benefits, Nationalisation of Banks.
Ensures protection of weaker sections, environment, and national heritage.

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Limitations

Non-justiciable: Courts cannot enforce them directly.
Implementation depends on the political will of the government.
Can conflict with Fundamental Rights, requiring judicial interpretation.
Resource constraints sometimes limit their effectiveness.