The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are outlined in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Indian Constitution. These principles guide the government in making policies for social and economic justice.
👉 DPSPs are not legally enforceable, but they are fundamental in governance.
Key Features of DPSP
✔ Inspired by the Irish Constitution (Ireland).
✔ Aim to establish social and economic democracy.
✔ The State must apply them in making laws, but courts cannot enforce them.
✔ The government must consider DPSPs while framing laws and policies.
Classification of DPSPs
DPSPs are divided into three categories:
1. Socialist Principles (Welfare State)
These promote social and economic justice:
🔹 Article 38: Promotes welfare of people by securing a just society.
🔹 Article 39: Ensures:
- Right to adequate livelihood.
- Equal pay for men and women.
- Protection of children from exploitation.
🔹 Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, etc.
🔹 Article 42: Just and humane working conditions, maternity relief.
🔹 Article 43: Living wage for workers, cottage industries promotion.
🔹 Article 43A: Participation of workers in industrial management.
🔹 Article 47: Duty of the state to improve public health and nutrition (prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs).
2. Gandhian Principles
These reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s vision:
🔹 Article 40: Organization of Village Panchayats.
🔹 Article 43: Promotion of cottage industries in rural areas.
🔹 Article 46: Promotion of education & economic interests of SCs, STs & weaker sections.
🔹 Article 47: Prohibition of alcohol and intoxicating substances.
🔹 Article 48: Promotion of agriculture and animal husbandry (protection of cows).
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles
These focus on international peace, law, and rights:
🔹 Article 44: Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for citizens.
🔹 Article 45: Free and compulsory education for children (Now under Article 21A).
🔹 Article 48: Modernization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
🔹 Article 48A: Protection of environment and wildlife.
🔹 Article 49: Protection of monuments and heritage sites.
🔹 Article 50: Separation of Judiciary from Executive.
🔹 Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security.
DPSP vs. Fundamental Rights
| Feature | DPSP (Part IV) | Fundamental Rights (Part III) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Non-enforceable | Enforceable by courts |
| Purpose | Guidelines for governance | Rights of individuals |
| Focus | Social & economic democracy | Political democracy |
| Example | Free legal aid, UCC, Education | Right to Equality, Right to Speech |
Important Amendments Related to DPSPs
1️⃣ 42nd Amendment (1976) – Added Article 39A, 43A, and 48A (Free legal aid, worker participation, and environment protection).
2️⃣ 44th Amendment (1978) – Gave precedence to Fundamental Rights over DPSPs.
3️⃣ 86th Amendment (2002) – Moved Article 45 (education for children) to Article 21A (Fundamental Right to Education).
Judicial Interpretation of DPSPs
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): DPSPs cannot override Fundamental Rights, but both should be balanced.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): Fundamental Rights and DPSPs must be harmonized, and the government should implement DPSPs without violating Fundamental Rights.
MCQs on DPSP
1. Which Part of the Indian Constitution deals with DPSPs?
A) Part II
B) Part III
C) Part IV
D) Part V
Answer: C) Part IV
2. From which country’s Constitution was the idea of DPSP borrowed?
A) USA
B) France
C) Ireland
D) UK
Answer: C) Ireland
3. Which Article promotes the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
A) Article 39
B) Article 44
C) Article 46
D) Article 51
Answer: B) Article 44
4. Which Article directs the state to provide free legal aid to the poor?
A) Article 39A
B) Article 45
C) Article 46
D) Article 50
Answer: A) Article 39A
5. Which Amendment made education for children a Fundamental Right?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 86th Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Answer: C) 86th Amendment
6. Which DPSP talks about the protection of monuments and heritage sites?
A) Article 48
B) Article 49
C) Article 50
D) Article 51
Answer: B) Article 49
7. Which DPSP directs the government to promote international peace?
A) Article 47
B) Article 50
C) Article 51
D) Article 45
Answer: C) Article 51
8. Which case ruled that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs must be balanced?
A) Golaknath Case
B) Minerva Mills Case
C) A.K. Gopalan Case
D) Maneka Gandhi Case
Answer: B) Minerva Mills Case
Conclusion
✅ DPSPs are guidelines for the state to establish social and economic justice.
✅ Not enforceable by courts, but the government must consider them in policymaking.
✅ Fundamental Rights and DPSPs must be harmonized for the welfare of people.
Would you like a mind map or more MCQs on DPSPs? 😊