What is Directive Principles of State Policy?
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are guidelines to the state, enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. Unlike Fundamental Rights, they are not enforceable by courts. Think of them as a 'moral compass' for the government.
They outline the ideals that the state should strive to achieve while formulating policies and enacting laws. The DPSP aims to create a 'welfare state' where social and economic justice prevails, reducing inequality and promoting the well-being of all citizens. They are directions to the legislature and the executive, guiding them on how to use their power to build a just society.
They are not legally binding, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country. The concept was borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
Historical Background
Key Points
13 points- 1.
The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life. This means the government should aim to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or economic status. This is the overarching goal of the DPSP.
- 2.
The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good. This aims to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and ensure that resources are used for the benefit of all. For example, land reforms aimed at redistributing land to landless farmers are an example of this principle in action.
- 3.
The state shall secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women. This principle aims to address gender inequality in the workplace. While not directly enforceable, it has been used by courts to interpret labor laws and ensure fair treatment of women employees. Many government schemes now prioritize women's empowerment and economic independence.
- 4.
The state shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement. This emphasizes the state's responsibility to provide social security to its citizens. Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, are a direct manifestation of this principle.
- 5.
The state shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. This aims to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security. Government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and animal welfare are aligned with this principle. For example, schemes providing subsidies for fertilizers and irrigation equipment.
- 6.
The state shall protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country. This reflects the growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable development. Laws like the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are examples of this principle being implemented.
- 7.
The state shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. This is a controversial provision that aims to promote national integration by replacing diverse personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Goa is the only state in India that currently has a uniform civil code.
- 8.
The state shall promote international peace and security, maintain just and honorable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. This reflects India's commitment to peaceful coexistence and multilateralism. India's active role in international forums like the United Nations and its efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue are consistent with this principle.
- 9.
The state shall strive to minimize inequalities in income, and endeavor to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. This means the government should work to reduce the gap between the rich and poor, and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of where they live or what they do.
- 10.
The state shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. This emphasizes the need for affirmative action to uplift marginalized communities. Reservation policies in education and employment are examples of this principle in practice.
- 11.
The state shall take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments or other organizations engaged in any industry. This aims to promote industrial democracy and empower workers. While not fully implemented, some companies have experimented with worker participation schemes.
- 12.
The state shall endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. This recognizes the importance of early childhood development. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program is a key initiative in this regard.
- 13.
The state shall promote cottage industries on an individual or cooperative basis in rural areas. This aims to create employment opportunities and promote economic self-reliance in rural communities. Government schemes providing financial assistance and training to artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs are aligned with this principle.
Visual Insights
Fundamental Rights vs. Directive Principles
Comparison of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.
| Feature | Fundamental Rights | Directive Principles |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Constitution | Part III | Part IV |
| Enforceability | Enforceable by Courts | Not Enforceable by Courts |
| Nature | Justiciable | Non-Justiciable |
| Objective | Political Democracy | Social and Economic Democracy |
| Source | Borrowed from US Constitution | Borrowed from Irish Constitution |
| Amendment | Can be amended, but basic structure cannot be violated | Can be amended |
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2020, the Supreme Court, in *Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma*, reiterated the importance of equal rights for daughters in Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) property, aligning with the DPSP's goal of social and economic justice.
In 2022, the Karnataka government introduced the 'Right to Education' scheme, providing free and compulsory education to children between the ages of 6 and 14, furthering the DPSP's objective of universal education.
In 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of a National Turmeric Board, aiming to boost turmeric production and exports, supporting the DPSP's focus on promoting agriculture and rural development.
In 2024, the government launched the 'PM-KISAN' scheme, providing income support to small and marginal farmers, directly addressing the DPSP's aim of reducing economic inequality and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable sections of society.
In 2025, several states implemented stricter environmental regulations to combat pollution and protect natural resources, reflecting the DPSP's emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development.
The ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) continues to be a significant development related to the DPSP, with various committees and state governments exploring the feasibility and implications of such a code.
The West Bengal government's Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme, launched in 2026, providing financial assistance to unemployed youth, directly aligns with the DPSP's directive to provide public assistance in cases of unemployment.
The increasing focus on skill development and vocational training programs across the country reflects the DPSP's emphasis on securing the right to work and improving the employability of citizens.
The expansion of social security schemes, such as pensions for the elderly and disabled, demonstrates the government's commitment to providing social assistance to vulnerable populations, as envisioned by the DPSP.
The government's initiatives to promote women's empowerment and gender equality, such as the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, align with the DPSP's goal of securing equal rights and opportunities for women.
This Concept in News
2 topicsWest Bengal's Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme: Cash for Unemployed Youth
23 Feb 2026The Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme exemplifies how state governments attempt to translate the aspirational goals of the DPSP into concrete policies. It demonstrates the DPSP's influence on policy-making, particularly in the realm of social welfare. However, the scheme also raises questions about the financial sustainability of such initiatives and their effectiveness in creating long-term employment opportunities. The opposition's criticism of the scheme underscores the challenges in balancing the DPSP's objectives with fiscal realities and practical considerations. This news highlights the ongoing debate about the role of the state in providing social security and the best ways to achieve the goals of a welfare state. Understanding the DPSP is crucial for analyzing such news events because it provides the constitutional context and the underlying principles that inform these policies. It allows us to critically evaluate the government's actions and assess their impact on society.
MHA mandates full Vande Mataram before National Anthem at events.
12 Feb 2024The news about mandating the full Vande Mataram highlights the ongoing tension between promoting cultural values and respecting individual freedoms. (1) This news demonstrates how the government attempts to use cultural symbols to foster national unity, a goal aligned with the spirit of DPSPs. (2) The directive applies the concept of promoting national integration in a practical way, although it may raise concerns about individual choice and religious freedom. (3) This news reveals the evolving interpretation of national identity and the role of cultural symbols in shaping it. (4) The implications of this news for the concept's future are that it could lead to further debates about the balance between national unity and individual rights. (5) Understanding DPSPs is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the government's motivation and the potential impact on society. It allows us to critically evaluate whether such directives truly contribute to a welfare state or infringe upon individual liberties.
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) and what is their constitutional basis?
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are guidelines for the government to create a just society. They are found in Part IV of the Constitution of India (Articles 36-51). While not enforceable by courts, Article 37 states that the state should apply these principles when making laws. The goal is to achieve social and economic justice and create a 'welfare state'.
Exam Tip
Remember that DPSPs are in Part IV of the Constitution and are not enforceable by courts.
2. What are the key provisions of DPSPs related to economic and social justice?
Key provisions include: * Article 39: Adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of resources, and prevention of wealth concentration. * Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance. * Article 43: Living wage and decent standard of life. * Article 43A: Participation of workers in management of industries.
- •Article 39: Adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of resources, and prevention of wealth concentration.
- •Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance.
- •Article 43: Living wage and decent standard of life.
- •Article 43A: Participation of workers in management of industries.
Exam Tip
Focus on Articles 39, 41, 43, and 43A for economic and social justice aspects.
3. What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?
Fundamental Rights are enforceable by courts, meaning you can go to court if they are violated. DPSPs are not enforceable; you cannot go to court if the government doesn't implement them. Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties, while DPSPs aim to achieve social and economic justice.
Exam Tip
Remember Fundamental Rights are enforceable, DPSPs are not.
4. How does Article 40, related to village panchayats, promote local governance?
Article 40 organizes village panchayats and gives them powers to function as units of self-government. This promotes local governance by empowering villages to manage their own affairs and make decisions at the grassroots level.
Exam Tip
Focus on Article 40's role in empowering local communities.
5. What are the limitations of DPSPs, considering they are not enforceable by courts?
The main limitation is their non-enforceability. This means the government is not legally bound to implement them. Their implementation depends on the resources and political will of the government. This can lead to inconsistencies in their application.
6. What is the significance of DPSPs in Indian democracy?
DPSPs guide the state in creating a just and equitable society. They provide a framework for social and economic policies, aiming to achieve a 'welfare state'. They serve as a moral compass for the government, even though they are not legally binding.
7. How has the Supreme Court used DPSPs to interpret Fundamental Rights?
The Supreme Court has often used DPSPs to interpret Fundamental Rights, expanding their scope. For example, Article 21 (right to life) has been linked to environmental protection based on Article 48A (protection of environment).
8. What are the challenges in the implementation of DPSPs?
Challenges include: * Lack of resources: Implementing DPSPs requires significant financial resources. * Political will: The government's commitment to implementing DPSPs can vary. * Conflicts with Fundamental Rights: Sometimes, implementing DPSPs may seem to conflict with Fundamental Rights.
- •Lack of resources: Implementing DPSPs requires significant financial resources.
- •Political will: The government's commitment to implementing DPSPs can vary.
- •Conflicts with Fundamental Rights: Sometimes, implementing DPSPs may seem to conflict with Fundamental Rights.
9. What reforms have been suggested for DPSPs?
Suggestions include: * Making some DPSPs, like a uniform civil code (Article 44), legally enforceable. * Clearly defining the scope of DPSPs to reduce ambiguity. * Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of DPSPs.
- •Making some DPSPs, like a uniform civil code (Article 44), legally enforceable.
- •Clearly defining the scope of DPSPs to reduce ambiguity.
- •Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of DPSPs.
10. How has the concept of DPSPs evolved over time, especially after the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976?
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added more DPSPs, strengthening the focus on social and economic justice. Article 43A (participation of workers in management) was added. This shows a greater emphasis on worker welfare and socialistic principles.
Exam Tip
Remember the 42nd Amendment added more DPSPs.
11. What are some examples of government schemes that implement DPSPs?
Examples include: * MGNREGA (rural employment scheme) implements Article 41 (right to work). * National Food Security Act implements provisions related to adequate means of livelihood (Article 39).
- •MGNREGA (rural employment scheme) implements Article 41 (right to work).
- •National Food Security Act implements provisions related to adequate means of livelihood (Article 39).
Exam Tip
Relate government schemes to relevant DPSP articles.
12. What are frequently asked aspects of DPSPs in the UPSC exam?
Frequently asked aspects include: * The relationship between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights. * The significance of DPSPs in achieving social and economic justice. * The challenges in implementing DPSPs. * Important articles like 39, 40, 41, 43, and 43A.
- •The relationship between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights.
- •The significance of DPSPs in achieving social and economic justice.
- •The challenges in implementing DPSPs.
- •Important articles like 39, 40, 41, 43, and 43A.
Exam Tip
Focus on understanding the relationship between DPSPs and Fundamental Rights.