{"id":2928,"date":"2026-09-26T16:35:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T11:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=2928"},"modified":"2026-09-26T17:13:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T11:43:38","slug":"directive-principles-of-state-policy-dpsp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/directive-principles-of-state-policy-dpsp\/","title":{"rendered":"Directive Principles of State Policy, DPSP Article 36 to 51, Features"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <strong>Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)<\/strong>, enshrined in<\/span><b> Articles 36 to 51 of Part IV<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Indian Constitution, aim to establish a welfare state and ensure social and economic justice for all citizens. The DPSPs are in the nature of <\/span>guidelines<span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that direct the government on how to make laws and run the country. Borrowed from the Spanish and Irish constitutions, they were included to address issues like poverty, hunger, and socioeconomic inequalities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although <\/span>not justiciable or enforceable in courts<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, DPSPs serve as instruments of instruction for governments. As <\/span>Granville Austin<span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> notes, they have been crucial in meeting constitutional goals of social, economic, and political justice since independence.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">in Indian Constitution<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) outlined in the Indian Constitution serve as <\/span><b>guiding principles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for the government, shaping its governance and policymaking to promote the welfare of citizens and foster a just society.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These principles are pivotal to India's governance structure and form an essential part of its constitutional framework.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dr B.R. Ambedkar <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">famously described the DPSP as a \"<\/span><b>novel feature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\" of the Indian Constitution. He also stated that they are akin to the <\/span><b>Instrument of Instructions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> issued to colonial governors under the Government of India Act of 1935.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) Features<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), contained in Part IV (Articles 36\u201351) of the Indian Constitution, provide non-justiciable constitutional directives to guide the government toward establishing a social, economic, and welfare democracy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Scope &amp; Definition of State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> As per <\/span><b>Article 36,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \"<\/span><b>State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\" encompasses executive, legislative, and local authorities across all governance levels, as in <\/span><b>Part III (<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fundamental-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Fundamental Rights<\/b><\/a><b>).<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Fundamental in Governance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to <\/span><b>Article 37<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, although non-justiciable, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and the state has a moral and political duty to apply them when making laws.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Welfare State Goal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> DPSPs focus on fulfilling ideals mentioned in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/preamble-of-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Preamble<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, aiming for a socio-economic welfare state rather than a colonial police state.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Non-Justiciable:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 37 establishes that while unenforceable in court, DPSPs remain fundamental to national governance, imposing a moral duty on the State during lawmaking.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Socio-Economic Democracy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: While Fundamental Rights secure political democracy, DPSPs complement them by striving for social and economic justice and equality.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Judicial Relevance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Courts use DPSPs to evaluate legal constitutionality; laws fulfilling a directive may be considered \"reasonable\" under Articles 14 and 19.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy Classification<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Indian Constitution does not specifically classify the DPSPs. However, for ease of understanding, they can be divided into three categories: S<\/span><b>ocialist principles, Gandhian principles, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><b>Liberal intellectual principles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. These are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DPSPs Based on Socialist Principles<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Socialist principles enshrined in Articles 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, and 43A of the Directive Principles of State Policy reflect the vision of social and economic justice. They aim to reduce inequalities, ensure workers' welfare, and promote equitable resource distribution. The socialist principles are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 38:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Directs the state to promote social, economic, and political justice, and minimise inequalities in income, status, and opportunities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 39: <\/b>The State shall direct its policy toward securing\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the right to adequate means of livelihood for all Citizens,<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">equitable distribution of material resources,<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">prevention of the concentration of wealth and means of production,<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">equal pay for men and women,<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">preservation of the health and strength of workers and children against forcible abuse.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">opportunities for the healthy development of children\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 39A: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emphasises equal justice and free legal aid to all citizens, irrespective of economic or other disabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 41: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To secure the right to work, education, and assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 42: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Secure a living wage, fair remuneration, and decent working conditions for workers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43A: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments, or other organisations engaged in any industry.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DPSPs Based on Gandhian Principles<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Gandhian principles enshrined in Articles 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, and 48 of the Directive Principles of State Policy reflect Mahatma Gandhi's vision of self-reliance, rural development, social justice, and moral upliftment of society. The Gandhian principles are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 40: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article emphasises the organisation of village panchayats and promotes their empowerment as institutions of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/local-self-government-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">local self-government.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To promote cottage industries to ensure economic development and self-reliance at the rural level.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43B:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of cooperative societies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 46:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It emphasises the protection and promotion of the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections of society.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 47:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 48: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle and to improve their breeds.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DPSPs Based on Liberal Principles<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Liberal principles, enshrined in Articles 39, 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, and 51, promote individual freedom, equality, environmental conservation, judicial independence, and international peace, reflecting progressive governance ideals. The liberal principles are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 39: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DPSP emphasises the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 44: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Secure the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/uniform-civil-code\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uniform Civil Code<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for all citizens.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 45:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide free and compulsory education to children up to the age of 14 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 48: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 48A: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 49: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To protect every monument or place of national importance from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 50: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 51:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy Amendments<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) amendments have added several new principles to the original list. These additions, made through various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indian-constitution-amendments\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">constitutional amendments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, are outlined below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">42nd Amendment Act 1976<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 introduced significant changes to the Directive Principles of State Policy, including the addition of <\/span><b>Articles 39A, 43A, and 48A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. It also modified <\/span><b>Article 39(f), <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">further emphasising the State's commitment to social justice and environmental protection. It includes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 39(f):<\/b>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The State shall direct its policy toward securing opportunities for the healthy development of children.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 39A:<\/b>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It emphasises equal justice and free legal aid to all citizens, irrespective of economic or other disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43A: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It secured the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments, or other organisations engaged in any industry.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 48A:<\/b>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It mandates the state to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">44th Amendment Act of 1978<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 played a pivotal role in enhancing the scope and significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy, reflecting the State\u2019s commitment to fostering justice and equality. It includes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 38:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It directs the State to promote social, economic, and political justice. And minimise inequalities in income, status, and opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">86th Amendment Act of 2002<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 marked a significant step in prioritising education within the Directive Principles of State Policy, underscoring the State's responsibility toward early childhood care and education.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 45: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It includes provisions for free and compulsory education to children up to the age of 14 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">97th Amendment Act of 2011<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 97th Amendment Act of 2011 emphasised the importance of cooperative societies, reinforcing the State\u2019s role in fostering their growth and ensuring their effective functioning. It includes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 43B:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It directs the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of cooperative societies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DPSPs Outside Part IV<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In addition to the Directives outlined in Part IV of the Constitution, there are other Directives spread throughout various sections of the Constitution. It includes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 335 in Part XVI \u2013 Claims of SCs and STs to Services:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It ensures that the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in appointments to Union or State services must be considered to maintain efficiency of administration.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 350-A in Part XVII \u2013 Instruction in the Mother Tongue: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It encourages every state and all local authorities to provide primary education in the mother tongue to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 351 in Part XVII \u2013 Development of the Hindi Language: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It mandates the Union to promote and develop the spread of the Hindi language and serves as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) and Fundamental Rights form the foundational pillars of the Indian Constitution, balancing individual liberties with social welfare. While Fundamental Rights protect civil freedoms, Directive Principles guide state policy toward achieving a socio-economic welfare state. The key differences between Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) and Fundamental Rights are listed below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Features\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Fundamental Rights\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\">\r\n<p><b>Directive Principles<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Constitutional Provisions\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are enumerated in Part III of the Indian Constitution.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are enumerated in Part IV of the Indian Constitution.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Articles<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Covered under Articles 12 to 35\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Covered under Articles 36 to 51.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Enforceability<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are justiciable in nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are non\u2013justiciable in nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Democratic Principle<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They promote the ideal of political democracy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They promote the ideal of social and economic democracy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Focus Area<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They promote the welfare of the individual.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They promote the welfare of the community.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Nature of Provisions<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are negative as they restrict the power of the state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are positive as they require the State to take certain steps.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><b>Judicial Role<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Judiciary can declare a law unconstitutional and invalid if it violates the Fundamental Rights.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The courts cannot declare a law violative of any of the Directive Principles as unconstitutional and invalid.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- However, they can uphold the validity of a law on the ground that it was enacted to give effect to a directive<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conflicts Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The conflict between DPSPs and FRs arises when policies aimed at achieving DPSP goals infringe upon individual FRs. Landmark cases like <\/span><b><i>Champakam Dorairajan (1951)<\/i><\/b><b>, <\/b><b><i>Kesavananda Bharati (1973)<\/i><\/b><b>, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><b><i>Minerva Mills (1980)<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> underscore this conflict, advocating for a balance that upholds the Constitution's basic structure. A detailed explanation of key cases and the current position is provided below.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Champakam Dorairajan vs. the State of Madras (1951)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0In this case,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> the Supreme Court ruled that Fundamental Rights (FRs) would take precedence over Directive Principles in case of a conflict between FRs and Directive Principles.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The court acknowledged that Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights through constitutional amendment acts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consequently, Parliament enacted the <\/span><b>1st Amendment Act (1951)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><b>the 4th Amendment Act (1955)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><b>the 17th Amendment Act (1964)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to implement certain Directive Principles.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Golaknath vs. the State of Punjab (1967):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0In this case, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Supreme Court departed from the principles set during the Champakam Dorairajan case (1951).<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It ruled that Parliament cannot diminish or curtail any Fundamental Rights (FRs).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Court held that FRs are <\/span><b>\u2018sacrosanct\u2019<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and cannot be compromised for the implementation of Directive Principles.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Kesavananda Bharati vs. the State of Kerala (1973):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In this case, the Supreme Court overruled its Golak Nath verdict (1967).<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It declared that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but cannot alter the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/basic-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\">Basic Structure Doctrine<\/a>\u201d of the Constitution.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Court also declared the second provision of Article 31C (Right to Property) unconstitutional and invalid, as judicial review was deemed a basic feature of the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Minerva Mills vs. the Union of India (1980): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this case, the Supreme Court declared the above extension as unconstitutional and invalid.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles were once again made subordinate to the Fundamental Rights by the Court.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, the rights conferred by Article 14 and Article 19 were accepted as subordinate to the DPSPs enshrined in Article 39 (b) and (c).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this case, the Court stressed the importance of<\/span><b> balance between<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> FRs and DPSPs. The goals set out by the Directive Principles have to be achieved without the abrogation of the means provided by the Fundamental Rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Current position: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights hold supremacy over the Directive Principles.\u00a0 However, the Directive Principles can be implemented by amending the Fundamental Rights, so long as the amendment does not destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy Implementation<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) have been implemented by successive central and state governments by passing statutory laws, launching developmental schemes, and enacting constitutional amendments to turn these non-justiciable ideals into practical socio-economic governance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Planning &amp; Economic Welfare:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) and Five-Year Plans aimed to reduce inequalities. Nationalisation of banks (1969) and life insurance (1956) directed resources for the common good.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agrarian Reforms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Abolition of zamindari, tenancy reforms, and land ceiling laws transformed rural structures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Labour &amp; Social Security:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Enactment of the Minimum Wages Act (1948), Maternity Benefit Act (1961), Equal Remuneration Act (1976), and Child Labour Prohibition laws (1986\/2016) safeguard worker welfare.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Legal Aid &amp; Local Governance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) established Lok Adalats for free legal aid. The 73rd Amendment Act (1992) granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Environment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Legislation was enacted for environmental and wildlife protection, such as the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Forest Conservation Act (1980).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Social Empowerment: The<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955), SC\/ST Atrocities Act (1989), National Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs, and 10% EWS reservation (103rd Amendment Act, 2019) protect vulnerable groups.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy lies in their role in shaping a welfare state by promoting socio-economic justice and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">equality and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> guiding governance towards achieving constitutional ideals. The significance is outlined below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Influence of the Irish Constitution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The DPSP drew inspiration from the Irish Constitution, which included similar principles for social justice.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Ambedkar's Vision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had described the Directive Principles as \u201csocialistic\u201d and a \u201cnovel feature\u201d of the Constitution. They constitute a very comprehensive economic, social, and political programme for a modern democratic State.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Philosophy of the Constitution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Directive Principles, along with the Fundamental Rights, contain the Constitution's philosophy.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are complementary and supplementary to each other; both are essential to achieving the objectives and ideals stated in the <\/span><b>Preamble<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Promote Socio-economic Justice: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike Fundamental Rights, which protect political justice, DPSPs promote socio-economic justice.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr Ambedkar rightly pointed out that the DPSPs provide \u2018social and economic democracy\u2019 as distinguished from the \u2018political democracy\u2019 provided by the Fundamental Rights.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to him, political democracy is meaningless without socio-economic democracy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Promote Welfare State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The principles embody the concept of a \u201cwelfare state\u201d and not a \u201cpolice state\u201d which existed during the colonial era.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They aim to promote the welfare of the people by emphasising social justice, equal opportunities, and the improvement of living standards for all citizens.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Contain Progressive Measures:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It includes provisions for the promotion of educational opportunities, public health, and the protection of the interests of marginalised sections of society, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Constitutional Guidance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Though not legally enforceable, the DPSP provides constitutional guidance to the government in formulating laws and policies.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It encourages the state to work towards achieving the objectives outlined in the DPSP.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Political sanctions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Many provisions and principles enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution are used by political parties in their manifestos.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consequently, some of these provisions have been made legally enforceable by the ruling governments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this way, they serve as a crucial test for the performance of the incumbent government.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Long-term Vision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> DPSP provides a long-term vision for the country's development, setting goals and ideals that the government should strive to achieve over time.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy Limitations<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The limitations of the Directive Principles of State Policy have been a subject of debate among members of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/constituent-assembly-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constituent Assembly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and constitutional experts, primarily due to their non-justiciable nature, lack of coherence, and potential for constitutional conflicts. The limitations are outlined below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lack of Legal Force: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Critics argue that the non-justiciable nature of the Directives undermines their effectiveness. The Directives are seen as moral aspirations rather than legally binding principles.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exemption of Directive Principles from being justiciable may make the state vulnerable to the pressure of politically and economically influential groups in society.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lack of Logical Arrangement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> DPSPs are not logically arranged and lack a consistent philosophy. The mixing of different provisions is seen as incongruous and lacking a systematic approach.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Conservative Nature:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sir Ivor Jennings opined that the directives were deemed to be suitable in India in the middle of the 20th century. The question of whether they are suitable in the 21st century cannot be answered.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Conflict:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These conflicts arise from the Centre's authority to direct states for Directive Principles' implementation, the potential rejection of bills by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/president-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>President of India<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that violate these principles, and conflicts at the state level between the governor and the chief minister.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directive Principles of State Policy UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.<\/span><b> (UPSC Mains 2015)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Directive Principles of State Policy<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Fundamental Rights<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Preamble<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) Seventh Schedule<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other than the FR, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect\/reflect the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Preamble<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Directive Principles of State Policy<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental Duties<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) 2 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q4: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is\/are correct? <\/span><b>(Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> They shall be enforceable by courts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> They shall not be enforceable by any court.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) 1 only\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) 2 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) 1 and 3 only\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) 2 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Other Related Posts<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/directive-principles-of-state-policy-dpsp\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Directive Principles of State Policy<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/federalism-in-indian-polity\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Federalism in Indian Polity<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/uniform-civil-code\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Uniform Civil Code<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sarkaria-commission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sarkaria Commission<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fundamental-duties\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Fundamental Duties<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/punchhi-commission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Punchhi Commission<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ordinance-making-power-of-president\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ordinance Making Power of President<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/inter-state-council\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Inter State Council<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/prime-minister\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Prime Minister of India<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fiscal-federalism\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Fiscal Federalism<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enshrined in Articles 36-51 of Part IV. Check its Features, Articles, Classification, Amendments, Implementation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2929,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,27],"tags":[107,2076,40,632],"class_list":["post-2928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-polity-notes","tag-directive-principles-of-state-policy","tag-dpsp","tag-quest","tag-upsc-polity-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2928"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30414,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2928\/revisions\/30414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}