All Papers/Social Justice, Human Rights and Social Welfare in India (2023-24)/Q6
Q6
10 Marks

Part B (Q6): Highlight various Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Expert Answer

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Indian Constitution. While Fundamental Rights are justiciable (enforceable in court) and protect citizens from the state, DPSPs are non-justiciable guidelines. They act as a moral and political compass, instructing the government on the socio-economic goals it should strive to achieve to create a true Welfare State.

Various Directive Principles:

1. Socialistic Principles (Aiming for Economic Justice):

  • Art 38: The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by justice—social, economic, and political—and to minimize inequalities in income.
  • Art 39: Directs the state to secure:
    • Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
    • Equitable distribution of material resources to prevent the concentration of wealth.
    • Equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
    • Protection of the health and strength of workers and children from abuse.
  • Art 41: Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
  • Art 42: Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
  • Art 43: To secure a living wage and a decent standard of life for all workers.

2. Gandhian Principles (Based on Gandhi’s vision of reconstruction):

  • Art 40: To organize village panchayats and endow them with powers of self-government.
  • Art 43: To promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
  • Art 46: To promote the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
  • Art 47: To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs that are injurious to health.

3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

  • Art 44: To secure for all citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the country.
  • Art 45: To provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
  • Art 48A: To protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
  • Art 50: To separate the judiciary from the executive in public services.
  • Art 51: To promote international peace and security.