DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (Part IV, Articles 36–51)
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are guidelines for the state to follow to promote social welfare and economic justice. Although not enforceable by courts, they aim to create a just society.
- Social and Economic Welfare:
- Article 38 promotes the welfare of the people by securing a social order with justice, social, economic, and political.
- Article 39 directs the state to ensure equal distribution of wealth and resources, adequate means of livelihood, and equal pay for equal work for men and women.
- Right to Work and Education:
- Article 41 directs the state to provide the right to work, education, and public assistance.
- Article 45 mandates free and compulsory education for children under the age of 14.
- Promotion of Public Health:
- Article 47 directs the state to raise the level of nutrition, public health, and the standard of living of people.
- Uniform Civil Code:
- Article 44 encourages the state to work towards a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens, thus ensuring equal personal laws.
Key Terms
- Non-Justiciable: Principles that are not enforceable by courts but guide government policy.
- Social Justice: The aim of providing equal opportunities and reducing inequalities.
- Right to Work: The principle of ensuring employment opportunities for all citizens.
- Uniform Civil Code: A proposed law to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws for all citizens.
- Economic Welfare: The government’s responsibility to improve the living standards of citizens.
- Public Health: The state’s duty to improve nutrition and promote public health.
Review Questions
- How do the Directive Principles differ from Fundamental Rights?
- Explain the significance of Article 39 in promoting social and economic justice.
- What is the purpose of Article 44 in the Indian Constitution?
- How do Directive Principles influence government policy despite being non-justiciable?