Directive Principles of State Policy

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles are contained in Part IV of the Constitution. They aim to provide the social and economic base of a genuine democracy.

Important Directive Principles

Broadly speaking, there are three types of Directive Principles aimed at providing social and economic justice and ushering in a welfare state:

1. Socio-Economic Principles

They require the State:

• To provide adequate means of livelihood to all citizens;

• To prevent concentration of wealth and means of production and ensure equitable distribution of wealth and material resources;

• To secure equal pay for equal work for men as well as women;

• To ensure a decent standard of living and leisure for all workers;

• To provide necessary opportunities and facilities to children and youth to prevent their exploitation;

• To make efforts to secure the right to work, education, and public assistance in case of unemployment, sickness, old age, etc.

2. Gandhian Principles

These are the embodiment of the Gandhian programme for reconstruction. These include:

• The establishment of village panchayats to function as units of self-government.

• The promotion of educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of society.

• The promotion of cottage industries.

• The prohibition of intoxicating drugs and drinks.

• Prevention of the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch cattle, etc.

3. Liberal Principles

The principles are based on liberal thinking and emphasise the need for:

• A uniform civil code for the country.

• Free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years.

• Separation of the judiciary and executive.

• Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry along scientific lines.

• Securing the participation of workers in the management of industries.

• Safeguarding the forests and wildlife of the country.

• Protecting monuments and places of artistic or historical importance.

Significance of Directive Principles

The real significance of the directive principles lies in the fact that they intend to provide social and economic democracy in the country, without which political democracy is a farce.

Difference Between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

Directives Provided Outside Part IV of the Constitution

• Article 350A: State and every local authority within the state to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.

• Article 351: Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language and to develop it as a medium of expression of all the elements of the composite culture of India.

• Article 335: The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the union or a state.

Though the Directives contained in Arts. 335, 350A and 351 are not included in Part IV, Courts have given similar attention to them, meaning that all parts of the Constitution should be read together.

Final Thoughts

The Directive Principles of State Policy form the backbone of India’s vision for a welfare state. They aim to ensure social and economic justice, providing citizens with a decent standard of living, equal opportunities, and protection from exploitation. While they are not enforceable in courts, their guidance shapes government policies and legislation to create a more equitable society.

The principles reflect a balance of socio-economic, Gandhian, and liberal ideals, addressing the needs of all sections of society. They complement fundamental rights by striving to make political democracy meaningful through social and economic democracy.

By focusing on education, health, livelihood, and social welfare, the Directive Principles guide India towards a just, inclusive, and progressive nation.