Directive Principles of the State Policy; Socialist, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are an essential feature of the Indian Constitution, outlined in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51). These principles are guidelines or instructions to the central and state governments of India to ensure social and economic justice for the people. Though not legally enforceable in a court of law, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, as declared in Article 37.

The concept of DPSPs has been inspired by the Irish Constitution and aims to establish a welfare state in India. The idea is to bridge the gap between law and justice—by ensuring that governance serves not just individual rights (as provided by Fundamental Rights), but also the collective welfare of society.

The Directive Principles can be broadly classified into three categories:

Socialist Principles

These aim to create a society based on social and economic equality. The principles direct the state to reduce income inequalities, improve the conditions of the poor, and ensure a fair distribution of resources. Key Articles under this category include:

• Article 38: The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on justice—social, economic, and political.

• Article 39: It directs the state to ensure that:

  • Citizens have adequate means of livelihood.

  • Resources are distributed for the common good.

  • There is no concentration of wealth.

  • Men and women have equal rights to work and livelihood.

• Article 41: Ensures the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, or sickness.

• Article 42: Provisions for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.

• Article 43: Encourages living wages for workers and a decent standard of life.

These provisions reflect the goals of a socialist economy, where the state plays an active role in uplifting the weaker sections and eliminating exploitation.

Gandhian Principles

These are based on Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and emphasize rural upliftment, self-reliance, and moral values. These principles are designed to revive the traditions of village panchayats and promote the Indian way of life. Important Gandhian DPSPs include:

• Article 40: The state shall organize Village Panchayats and endow them with powers to function as units of self-government.

• Article 43: Promotion of cottage industries in rural areas.

• Article 43B (added by the 97th Amendment): Promotes co-operative societies.

• Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections of society.

• Article 47: Duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living and to improve public health.

• Article 48: Directs the state to prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves and improve the breed of cattle.

These principles emphasize a decentralized economy, rural self-sufficiency, and ethical governance—core values in Gandhian philosophy.

Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

These principles are inspired by liberalism, humanism, and democratic ideals, and aim to establish a just and humane society with individual dignity and global cooperation. Key provisions under this category include:

• Article 44: The state shall strive to secure for all citizens a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) throughout the territory of India.

• Article 45: Originally directed the state to provide free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14. After the 86th Amendment (2002), this became a Fundamental Right under Article 21A, while Article 45 now refers to early childhood care and education for children below 6 years.

• Article 48A: The state shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

• Article 49: Protect monuments and places of artistic or historic interest.

• Article 50: Separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the state.

• Article 51: Promote international peace and security, just and honorable relations between nations, and respect for international law.

These principles aim at creating a modern, educated, and ethical society, ensuring both national integrity and global responsibility.

Significance of DPSPs:

• Moral Obligation: Though not enforceable by courts, DPSPs are considered a moral compass for governance.

• Policy Foundation: Many laws and welfare schemes (like MGNREGA, midday meals, right to education, etc.) have roots in DPSPs.

• Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court, in several cases (e.g., Minerva Mills, Kesavananda Bharati), has upheld the importance of harmonizing Fundamental Rights and DPSPs.

• Progressive Governance: DPSPs push the state to take positive action toward social justice, economic equality, and development.