DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (Art.
36-51)
In addition to fundamental rights, the constitution also has a section called
Directive Principles of State Policy. This section was designed to ensure greater social and
economic reform and to serve as a guide to the Independent Indian state to institute laws
and policies that help to reduce the poverty. Part IV of the constitution relates to the
Directive principles of State Policy. It set fourth the ideals and objectives to be achieved
by the state for setting up a social welfare state in India. This inspiration of including DP
is drawn from Ireland.
FEATURES OF DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES
• The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people
• Men and women equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood
• The operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of
wealth and means of production to the common detriment
• There should be equal pay for equal work for both man and woman
• State shall strive for providing equal justice and free legal aid
• Children below the age of 14 must be protected from exploitation
• The state shall take step to organize village Panchayats and endows them with
such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as
unit of self-gov.
• Uniform civil code for the citizens throughout the territory of India
• Promotion of International peace & policy.
The particular aim of DP is to make India a welfare state. These principles are to
serve as, “a sign post and guide the state in its entire works.”
Bureaucracy in India
The word bureaucracy has been derived from the French word ‘bureau’ which signifies-
rule of government departments. So it is that form of government where administration
is generally carried on by the permanent civil servants.
Bureaucracy means the civil servants, the administrative functionaries who are
professionally trained for the public service and who enjoy permanency of tenure,
promotion within service partially by seniority and partially by merit. It is also can be said
a professional body of officials permanent, paid and skilled.
Characteristics of Bureaucracy:
✓ Every bureaucratic office has fixed jurisdiction regulated by law. Every person is
aware about his rights and responsibilities.
✓ It has hierarchical system. It works in the chain of superior and subordinate office.
✓ It follows a certain pattern based on written rules.
✓ Recruitment is always on the basis of merit rather than approach or nepotism.
✓ The appointment of bureaucrats is on permanent basis.
✓ They are given good salary as per their rank and position. They are free to use their
power and authority.
✓ They have given training to carry out their duties in the given department.
✓ The official has to distinguish between the sphere of office and that of private
affairs. He is not entitled to use official facilities for personal needs.
MERITS OF BUREAUCRACY:
✓ It’s a safe profession, the officials enjoy security in the form of promotion,
increments and at the end pension. This security brings devotion and loyalty in
them towards the service.
✓ As these officers come through high level competition, they try to remain free from
flattery and corruption in their jobs.
✓ They maintain the professionalism and complete their task within the due time.
Punctuality becomes their attitude.
✓ They are always disciplined and work under strict rules and regulations.
DEMERITS OF BUREAUCRACY:
✓ Strict rules and regulations lead the officers to become slave of rules displacing the
original aims. Common man is the worst suffer of it which is called red tapism.
✓ Corruption is a common phenomenon of bureaucracy. Bribery, Nepotism and
favouritism have become the necessity.
✓ bureaucracy is disciplined & homogenous group and members of this group share
the common interest. They become defensive in protecting their interest and harm
the interest of others.
✓ They sometimes misuse their power and authority. They become arrogant,
dominating and over powerful. They forget that they need to be kind and helpful
towards people.
In a nutshell bureaucracy can be an asset to democratic government if it is
well managed and responsible. They must remember their duties which are to
provide justice, welfare & service to the needy people in the society. They are
dangerous to the society if they assume their role as dominating masters.