Chapter 3 They aim at social and economic democracy, not
merely political democracy.
Salient features of the constitution II
They reflect the welfare philosophy of the
Constitution.
DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY
5. Importance of Directive Principles of State Policy
Meaning of Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles are very important because:
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a
set of guidelines and instructions given to the State to They are a pledge made by the framers of the
be followed while governing the country. They are Constitution to the people of India.
contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution
(Articles 36 to 51). They provide a framework for social, economic and
political democracy.
These principles are non-justiciable, meaning they
cannot be enforced by courts of law. However, they are They guide governments in policy formulation and
fundamental to the governance of the country, and law-making.
every government is expected to keep them in mind They help in establishing a Welfare State.
while framing laws and policies.
They provide a standard to judge the performance of
The Directive Principles represent the ideals, governments.
objectives and philosophy of the Constitution and aim
at establishing a Welfare State in India. They educate citizens about what they can expect from
the State.
2. Why are they called “Directive Principles”?
They help courts while interpreting Fundamental
They are called Directive Principles because: Rights.
They direct the State in matters of law-making and Their importance was strengthened by the 42nd
administration. Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, which
They act as moral obligations on the government. emphasized that welfare of society is more important
than individual interests.
Though not legally enforceable, they serve as guiding
principles for governance. 6. Directive Principles and Welfare State
3. Sources of Directive Principles of State Policy A Welfare State is one that aims at ensuring the
maximum happiness of the maximum number of
The framers of the Constitution borrowed ideas for the people.
Directive Principles from various sources:
Although the term “Welfare State” is not mentioned in
Irish Constitution – Principles of social and economic the Constitution, its spirit is clearly reflected in the
policy Directive Principles. The State has a positive
responsibility to ensure:
Gandhian Philosophy – Justice, equality, non-violence,
village self-government Social justice
Declaration of the Rights of Man (France) – Liberty Economic justice
and equality
Equality and dignity of individuals
Charter of Human Rights of the United Nations
The Directive Principles aim to reduce inequalities and
Universal Declaration of Human Rights improve the standard of living of the people.
These sources helped shape the social, economic and 7. Social Equality and Justice – Measures Taken
moral goals of the Indian State.
To promote social equality and justice, the State has
4. Nature and Features of Directive Principles taken the following steps:
The main features of Directive Principles are: Right to Education Act
They are non-justiciable. Provides free and compulsory education to children
aged 6–14 years.
They apply to both Union and State Governments.
Abolition of Untouchability
They are long-term objectives to be achieved
gradually.
Untouchability has been abolished and made a Ensures equal justice to people who cannot afford
punishable offence. lawyers.
Reservation for SCs and STs Separation of Judiciary from Executive
Special provisions in education and employment to Ensures independence of the judiciary and prevents
uplift backward sections. misuse of power.
Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) 11. Directive Principles and India’s Foreign Policy
10% reservation introduced by the 103rd Directive Principles also guide India’s foreign policy
Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019. by promoting:
These measures aim at creating a more equal and just International peace and security
society.
Opposition to colonialism and racial discrimination
8. Economic Welfare – Measures Taken by the State
Support to freedom struggles such as South Africa’s
To ensure economic welfare, the government has fight against Apartheid
implemented several reforms:
Respect for international law
Abolition of Zamindari System
Peaceful settlement of international disputes
Ended exploitation of farmers and redistributed land.
Advocacy of complete disarmament
Land Acquisition Act, 2013
12. Conclusion
Ensures fair compensation and transparency.
The Directive Principles of State Policy form the soul
Nationalisation of Banks and Insurance Companies of the Indian Constitution. Though they are not
enforceable by courts, they are essential for good
Ensures public control over key financial institutions.
governance. They guide the State in building a just,
Equal Pay for Equal Work equal and welfare-oriented society and help transform
political democracy into social and economic
Prevents discrimination based on gender.
democracy.
Minimum Wages Act
Protects workers from exploitation.
9. Major Welfare Schemes (Textbook-based)
(a) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (2016)
Crop insurance scheme for farmers
Low premium and full protection against crop loss
(b) Jan Dhan Yojana (2014)
Financial inclusion of the poor
Bank accounts with insurance cover and RuPay cards
(c) MGNREGA, 2005
Guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural
households
Reduces rural unemployment and poverty
10. Political, Administrative and Legal Measures
Panchayati Raj System
Promotes local self-government and democracy at the
grassroots level.
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