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Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) (Download Free Notes)
April 18, 2025
Overview: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are a unique feature of the Indian Constitution, found in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51).
These principles serve as guidelines or instructions to the central and state governments of India, aiming to ensure social, economic, and political justice for all citizens and promote a welfare state.
Even though they are not justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by any court of law, they are fundamental in the governance of the country. These principles act as the moral and political compass for those in power and play a crucial role in shaping policies and laws.
Origins and Purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
The DPSPs were inspired by the Irish Constitution and also reflect the ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The framers of the Constitution included them to ensure that India’s democracy would go beyond political freedom and achieve economic and social democracy as well.
They aim to:
- Promote the welfare of the people.
- Reduce inequality in income and status.
- Ensure just distribution of wealth and resources.
- Secure opportunities and living conditions for all citizens.
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Historical Background and Origin of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
The idea of DPSPs is inspired largely by the Directive Principles in the Irish Constitution (1937).
The framers of the Indian Constitution incorporated these principles to ensure that the newly formed democratic republic would work towards the upliftment of the downtrodden, reduce inequality, and secure economic justice.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described the Directive Principles as a "novel feature" of the Indian Constitution, and they reflect the ideals mentioned in the Preamble, particularly justice, equality, and fraternity.
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Nature and Features of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
- Non-Justiciable: They are not enforceable in a court of law.
- Moral Obligation: DPSPs serve as a moral obligation for the state to implement them.
- Instrument of Instruction: They act as an instrument of guidance for the central and state governments.
- Dynamic Nature: DPSPs can be expanded or modified according to the socio-economic conditions of the country.
- Complementary to Fundamental Rights: While Fundamental Rights focus on individual liberty, DPSPs aim at achieving the collective welfare of society.
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Types of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
DPSPs can be broadly divided into three main categories, each reflecting a different ideological influence:
1. Socialist Principles
These are aimed at promoting social and economic equality.
They ask the state to secure the right to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, protection of workers and children, and provide for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
The state is also encouraged to provide free legal aid to ensure access to justice for all and to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living of its people.
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| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 38 | Promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by justice—social, economic, and political. |
| Article 39 | Secure right to adequate livelihood, equitable distribution of material resources, prevention of concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, and protection of childhood and youth. |
| Article 39A | Promote equal justice and provide free legal aid. |
| Article 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance. |
| Article 42 | Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief. |
| Article 43 | Living wage, decent standard of life for all workers. |
| Article 43A | Workers’ participation in management. |
| Article 47 | Raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and improve public health. |
2. Gandhian Principles
These reflect the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and emphasize rural upliftment and self-reliance. The state is encouraged to organize village panchayats, promote cottage industries in rural areas, and improve the lives of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
It also directs the state to work towards the prohibition of alcohol and protect cows and other milch animals.
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 40 | Organization of Village Panchayats. |
| Article 43 | Promotion of cottage industries. |
| Article 46 | Promote educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections. |
| Article 47 | Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs. |
| Article 48 | Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry, banning cow slaughter. |
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3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles
These are based on liberalism and individual rights. They include directives for establishing a Uniform Civil Code throughout India, providing free and compulsory education to children, protecting the environment and wildlife, separating the judiciary from the executive, and promoting international peace and security.
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 44 | Uniform Civil Code throughout India. |
| Article 45 | Early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. |
| Article 48 | Protection of environment, forests, and wildlife. |
| Article 49 | Protection of monuments and places of historic interest. |
| Article 50 | Separation of judiciary from the executive. |
| Article 51 | Promote international peace and security. |
Significance of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
While the Fundamental Rights protect individual freedoms, the Directive Principles focus on ensuring the collective welfare of society. They complement each other and together form the core philosophy of the Constitution.
Over the years, many policies and welfare schemes have drawn inspiration from the DPSPs. Laws related to land reforms, minimum wages, rural employment, midday meal schemes, environmental protection, and free legal aid are some examples of how these principles have influenced governance.
Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights
Initially, the Fundamental Rights were given primacy over DPSPs, as seen in early Supreme Court decisions. However, through constitutional amendments and landmark judgments, the relationship between the two has evolved. Today, there is a consensus that they must be harmonized, and one cannot be given absolute primacy over the other. Courts have often interpreted laws in a way that balances the objectives of both.
| Aspect | Fundamental Rights | DPSPs |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Justiciable | Non-justiciable |
| Objective | Protect individual liberty | Ensure social and economic welfare |
| Enforceability | Legally enforceable | Not legally enforceable |
| Role | Negative obligations of the state | Positive obligations of the state |
| Amendability | Can be amended | Can also be amended |
| Article | Part III (12–35) | Part IV (36–51) |
Judicial Interpretation and Amendments
Several constitutional amendments and Supreme Court decisions have shaped the role and relevance of DPSPs.
For instance, the 42nd Amendment (1976) strengthened their position, while the Minerva Mills case (1980) emphasized their equal importance alongside Fundamental Rights. Amendments like the 86th and 97th have added new directives, such as free education and promotion of cooperative societies.
Limitations of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
Despite their value, DPSPs face several limitations. Their non-enforceability means the state is not legally bound to implement them.
Some of their language is vague, and many directives remain unimplemented even decades after independence. Their potential can only be realized through political will, public awareness, and administrative commitment.
Landmark Judgments
- Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951): The Supreme Court ruled that Fundamental Rights prevail over DPSPs in case of conflict.
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): It held that the Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): This case established the Basic Structure Doctrine and ruled that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but not the basic structure.
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980): The Court held that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs are complementary and that giving absolute primacy to one over the other would disturb the harmony of the Constitution.
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Conclusion
The Directive Principles of State Policy remain a visionary part of the Constitution, embodying the dreams of a just, equitable, and inclusive India. They continue to inspire lawmakers, administrators, and citizens to strive towards a better, fairer society. While they may not be enforceable in court, their role in nation-building is immense and undeniable. The true success of the DPSPs lies in their translation from ideals into action—through laws, policies, and everyday governance.