Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Notes [GK PDF]

Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP)

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP GK Notes) is a set of rules to make laws and policies. They are mentioned in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. Articles 36 to 51 describe DPSP are not legally enforceable in courts, unlike the Fundamental Rights. Although Ireland is credited with inventing directive policy, Spain is regarded as the true originator (see borrowed features of the Indian Constitution). There were 13 directive principles in the Constitution. Four were introduced by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976. As a result, the Indian constitution now contains 17 directive policies.

This article is about the “Directive Principle of State Policy” for UPSC prelims and other competitive govt job examinations in India.

According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the “guidelines” for governors and governor-generals enacted in the Government of India Act of 1935 are the real predecessors of the directive principles of the present constitution.

Directive principles can be divided into a few categories’ viz.

1. Social policy
2. Gandhian policy
3. Liberal policy
4. constitutional policy and
5. International policy.

Basically, two notable features can be mentioned in the case of directive policy. E.g.

1. These policies cannot be enforced by the courts.
2. Even if the directive policies impose certain responsibilities on the state, the state cannot pass any law on the strength of the directive policy alone.

According to Ivor Jennings,

“these policies are not consistent with the written constitution.”

-Ivor Jennings

Economic and social rights are the central issues of the directive policies. The major goal of this program, according to some, is to turn India into a welfare state rather than a tyrannical one. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar told at the Constituent Assembly that “These policies serve as a testing ground for the ruling party“.

Professor KC Wheare‘s policies have declared the political values of justice, freedom, equality, friendship, and so on, in accordance with the terms of the proposed constitution. Citizens have rights and obligations as a result of these beliefs.

B.N. Rao argued for dividing these principles into two parts:

(A) These are not enforceable in court as a general right.
(B) Certain rights are enforceable by the court.

Socialist Principles.

1. Article 38 states that the country shall strive for the welfare of the people by forming a social system on the basis of social, economic and political justice.
2. Article 39 (a) – This section was added to the 42nd Constitution in 1976 through modification. This section deals with the establishment of justice and the provision of free legal aid to the poor.
3. Article 41 specifies that the state must guarantee the right to work, education, and government support in certain circumstances, as well as assist citizens in the scenario of unemployment, old age, or disease.
4. Article 42 states that the state will create a conducive working environment and take necessary measures for maternity.
5. Article 43: Providing adequate living wages, improving living standards, and expanding cottage industries in the villages.
6. Article 43 (a) was enacted by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 – which states that the state shall establish the opportunity for the participation of workers in the administration of factories. “

Gandhi’s principles:

1. Article 40: For the purpose of establishing local autonomy, the state will form gram panchayats and delegate the necessary powers to these institutions.
2. Article 43: Will try to develop cottage industries in rural areas.
3. Article 46: The State shall endeavor to protect and develop the education, and economic interests of the people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
4. Article 47: The state shall prohibit the use of alcohol or other drugs for any purpose other than the need for drugs.
5. Article 48: The state will try to stop the slaughter of domestic animals such as cows, calves and other dairy animals.

Liberal policy

1. Article 45: The State shall endeavor to provide unpaid compulsory education to boys and girls up to the age of 14 years.
2. Article 48 (a): The State shall preserve and develop the environment and conserve forests and wildlife.
3. Article 49: The state shall endeavor to preserve monuments and objects of artistic and historically important things.

Policies for the development of governance structures:

• Article 44: The State shall endeavor to introduce the same Uniform Civil Code for all citizens of the whole of India.
• Article 50: The State shall endeavor to separate the Judiciary from the Government.

International Policies:

• Article 51: In accordance with Article 51, the State of India shall endeavor to promote international peace and security and to respect the treaty of law.
• Article 350: It is the duty of every state and its local administration to ensure that education through the mother tongue is provided to the minority community at the primary level.
• Article 351: The duty of the Central Government is to strive for the expansion of the Hindi language.
• Article 335: In the case of employment under the Central and State Governments of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, their claims may have to be considered for justice.

Comparison Between Directive Principle & Fundamental Rights

Notes: Citizenship – Indian Constitution GK
Notes: Fundamental Rights – GK

FAQs From Directive Principle of State Policy

Few MCQs from DPSP

Directive Principle of State Policy Notes PDF