Directive Principles of State Policy
Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a set of guidelines given to the government of
India to help in making laws and policies that aim to create a just and equal society. These principles
are mentioned in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Indian Constitution. They are not enforceable by
the courts, which means that if the government does not follow them, people cannot go to court.
However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country and act as a direction for making
laws.
The framers of the Indian Constitution borrowed the idea of DPSPs from the Irish Constitution.
The main reason for including them was to ensure social and economic justice for all citizens. While
Fundamental Rights (Part III) focus on individual rights, DPSPs focus on the welfare of society as a
whole.
Types of DPSPs
These principles aim to create an equal society and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
Some important articles are:
• Article 38 – The State shall promote the welfare of the people by reducing inequalities in
income and eliminating social injustices.
• Article 39 – The State shall ensure that wealth is not concentrated in a few hands and that
both men and women have equal rights to livelihood.
• Article 41 – The State shall work to provide employment, education, and public assistance to
those in need.
• Article 43 – The State shall promote living wages, good working conditions, and
participation of workers in industrial management.
These principles focus on rural development, self-reliance, and social welfare. Some key articles
are:
• Article 40 – The State shall organize village panchayats and give them the power to function
as self-governing units.
• Article 46 – The State shall work for the promotion of the education and economic interests
of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections.
• Article 47 – The State shall improve public health and work towards banning intoxicating
drinks and drugs.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles (For National and International Welfare)
These principles aim at developing India into a modern and progressive country. Some important
articles are:
• Article 44 – The State shall work towards a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens,
ensuring equal laws for everyone, regardless of religion.
• Article 45 – The State shall provide free and compulsory education for children up to 14
years of age.
• Article 48 – The State shall protect and improve agriculture and animal husbandry.
Importance of DPSPs
DPSPs help the government make laws that ensure welfare, justice, and equality in society. For
example, laws like the Right to Education Act (2009) and Minimum Wages Act are based on
DPSPs.
DPSPs aim to bridge the gap between rich and poor by ensuring equal opportunities, reducing
poverty, and promoting employment.
While Fundamental Rights ensure individual freedoms, DPSPs aim for the welfare of society as a
whole. For example, the Right to Equality (Article 14) is strengthened by DPSPs that promote equal
wages and opportunities.
Many progressive laws like free education, land reforms, and reservation policies were introduced
based on DPSPs.
DPSPs encourage peace and cooperation with other countries, making India an active participant in
global affairs.
Conclusion
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) play a crucial role in making India a welfare state.
Though they are not legally enforceable, they act as guidelines for the government to create a just
and equal society. Over the years, many policies and laws have been inspired by DPSPs, making them
an essential part of our democracy.
Thus, DPSPs and Fundamental Rights work together to ensure both freedom and social justice,
making India a better place for all citizens.