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Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Structured Fact Sheet

I. Fundamental Concepts

• Purpose & Objectives:
  • To establish Social and Economic Democracy in India.
  • To establish a Welfare State.
  • To ensure socio-economic justice.
  • They are not meant to establish a Religious State.
• Legal Nature:
  • Non-justiciable: Not enforceable by any court.
  • Courts cannot compel the state to implement them.
  • They are fundamental in the governance of the country.
  • They are meant to influence the making of laws by the State.
  • Analogy: A “cheque which is paid on the bank’s convenience” (attributed to K.T. Shah).
• Constitutional Details:
  • Contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution.
  • The concept was borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland.
  • The idea of the Welfare State is included in the DPSPs and is also reflected in the Preamble.

II. Classification of Principles

For convenient study, DPSPs are classified into three categories:

1. Socialist Principles: Aimed at promoting social and economic welfare.
2. Gandhian Principles: Based on the ideals advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles: Aimed at promoting liberal and intellectual ideals.

III. Key Articles and Their Directives

IV. Relationship with Other Constitutional Features

• Vs. Fundamental Rights:
  • A key difference is enforceability: DPSPs are not enforceable, while Fundamental Rights are.
  • Concentration of wealth violates the spirit of the DPSPs.
  • ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ is a Directive Principle, not a Fundamental Right.
  • The right to employment is a DPSP (Article 41), not a Fundamental Right.
• Vs. Fundamental Duties:
  • Provisions for environmental protection are found in both DPSPs (Art. 48A) and Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A(g)).
  • The National Social Assistance Program is a duty of the state (fulfilling DPSP Art. 41), not a direct fulfillment of a citizen’s Fundamental Duty.
• Impact on State Functions:
  • They do not constitute limitations on the state. They are guiding principles.
  • Both Central and State Governments are empowered to make laws on DPSP matters (e.g., economic and social planning).
  • Example: The Panchayati Raj System is a legal implementation of the DPSP under Article 40.
  • Example: The National Social Assistance Program is a policy fulfilling the objectives of Article 41.

V. Amendments

• 42nd Amendment Act (1976):
  • Added several new Directive Principles:
    • Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
    • Article 43A: Participation of workers in management.
    • Article 48A: Protection of environment, forests, and wildlife.
  • It did NOT add: The Uniform Civil Code (Article 44), which was an original provision.

VI. What is NOT a DPSP

The following are not included in the Directive Principles:

• Right to Information (it is a statutory right under the RTI Act).
• Prohibition of untouchability (Fundamental Right under Article 17).
• Prohibition of trafficking and forced labor (Fundamental Right under Article 23).
• Prohibition of child labor (Fundamental Right under Article 24).
• The Constitution is silent on the “Small family norm” and “Adult education” in the DPSPs.
• Uniform Civil Code is a DPSP (Article 44); it was not added by the 42nd Amendment.

Know More About Directive Principles of State Policy:

• Directive Principles of State Policy – Old Year Questions
• Directive Principles of State Policy One Liner Questions & Answers