Articles 36–51: Classification (Socialistic, Gandhian, Liberal)

Introduction

  1. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36–51).
  2. DPSPs aim to establish a framework for a welfare state by guiding the state in formulating policies.
  3. Although they are non-justiciable, DPSPs are fundamental in the governance of the country.
  4. DPSPs can be classified into three categories: Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual.

Socialistic Principles

  1. These principles reflect the idea of social and economic justice.
  2. They aim to reduce inequalities in income, wealth, and opportunities.
  3. Key Articles under this category:
    • Article 38: Promotes welfare of the people by securing social, economic, and political justice.
    • Article 39: Directs the state to ensure:
      • Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
      • Equitable distribution of material resources.
      • Prevention of concentration of wealth.
    • Article 41: Secures the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, and sickness.
    • Article 42: Provisions for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
    • Article 43: Ensures a living wage for workers and promotes cottage industries.
    • Article 47: Directs the state to improve public health and raise the level of nutrition.

Gandhian Principles

  1. These principles are based on the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and focus on rural development and self-reliance.
  2. They emphasize the importance of the village economy and the welfare of weaker sections.
  3. Key Articles under this category:
    • Article 40: Directs the state to organize village panchayats and empower them to function as units of self-government.
    • Article 43: Promotes cottage industries in rural areas.
    • Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other weaker sections.
    • Article 47: Prohibits the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs harmful to health.
    • Article 48: Organizes agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines while prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves.

Liberal-Intellectual Principles

  1. These principles emphasize individual liberty and ideals of a liberal polity.
  2. They focus on fostering international peace and improving the quality of governance.
  3. Key Articles under this category:
    • Article 44: Directs the state to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
    • Article 45: Provides for free and compulsory education for children (later modified to Article 21A).
    • Article 48: Promotes modern agriculture and animal husbandry practices.
    • Article 48A: Protects and improves the environment and safeguards forests and wildlife.
    • Article 49: Protects monuments and places of national importance.
    • Article 50: Separates the judiciary from the executive in public services.
    • Article 51: Promotes international peace and security.

Significance of DPSPs

  1. Provide a framework for the state to implement policies aimed at achieving social justice.
  2. Complement and supplement the Fundamental Rights.
  3. Serve as a guide for judicial interpretations and constitutional amendments.
  4. Help establish a welfare state by promoting the socio-economic development of all citizens.

Conclusion

The classification of DPSPs into Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal principles highlights the multi-faceted approach to achieving the goals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. While they are not enforceable in courts, their importance in guiding state policy and governance is undeniable.

Category
Directive Principles of State Policy
Introduction to Indian Polity
Which article of the Constitution defines Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are borrowed from the Constitution of which country?
Which of the following is a socialistic Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP)?
The promotion of equal pay for equal work for both men and women is mentioned under which article?
Which Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) is Gandhian in nature?
Under which classification does the promotion of international peace fall?
Article 40, related to the organization of village panchayats, belongs to which category of Directive Principles?
Which article directs the state to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living?
The protection and improvement of the environment is covered under which article?
The Directive Principle to "secure a uniform civil code" is mentioned in:
The "promotion of cottage industries in rural areas" is a Directive Principle of which type?
The protection of monuments and places of historical interest is covered under which article?
The provision for free and compulsory education for children is stated in:
Separation of judiciary from the executive is directed under which article?
Which article directs the state to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Tribes?
The provision to secure the right to work, education, and public assistance is mentioned in:
Equal justice and free legal aid are covered under which article of DPSP?
Which article provides for the protection and improvement of cattle and prohibition of cow slaughter?
The promotion of the health and strength of workers is mentioned in:
The goal of promoting harmony and a common brotherhood falls under which DPSP classification?
The principle of securing participation of workers in the management of industries is found in:
Directive Principles are non-justiciable because:
Which of the following DPSPs promotes welfare through a just distribution of wealth?
The prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs is mentioned in:
Article 38 directs the state to promote:
Which Directive Principle emphasizes the protection of children and youth from exploitation?
The state is directed to minimize inequalities in income under which article?
Which of the following is a liberal Directive Principle?
The prohibition of concentration of wealth is a principle under:
Which of the following DPSPs aligns with Gandhian philosophy?
The idea of promoting public health through nutrition and sanitation is under which article?
Ensuring humane conditions for work and maternity relief is stated in: