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Directive Principles of State Policy – Articles, List, DPSP Full Form

Ananya Gupta August 29, 2023 06:18 12768 0

DPSP full form is "Directive Principles of State Policy." DPSP is a significant part of the Indian Constitution that provides guiding principles for the government to formulate policies and laws for the welfare and development of the country and its people. Learn more about DPSP and its importance in governance and nation-building.

Directive Principles of State Policy – Articles, List, DPSP Full Form

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a set of guidelines and principles outlined in Part IV of the Constitution of India. They serve as non-justiciable ideals that the government is expected to keep in mind while formulating policies and laws. The DPSP aim to establish a just and equitable society, promote the welfare of the people, and ensure social, economic, and political justice. The DPSP are explicitly mentioned in Articles 36 to 51 of Part IV of the Indian Constitution.

DPSP Full Form

The full form of “DPSP” is “Directive Principles of State Policy.” DPSP are a set of guidelines and principles embedded in the Constitution of India to direct the government in framing policies and laws for the country’s governance. While not legally enforceable by courts, the DPSP are integral to the vision of a just and welfare-oriented society envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.

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DPSP FULL FORM
DPSP Full Form in English Directive Principles of State Policy
DPSP Full Form in Hindi राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत
DPSP Borrowed from Article 45 of the Irish Constitution
DPSP Articles Part IV of the Constitution – Article 35 to Article 51
Classification of DPSP Socialist Principles, Gandhian Principles, and Liberal-Intellectual Principles.

 

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Directive Principles of State Policy History

The DPSP were influenced by various sources, including the Government of India Act 1935, the 1937 Irish Constitution, and even the Spanish Constitution. Here’s a summary of the key points:

  • Government of India Act 1935: The provisions in the Government of India Act 1935 served as a precursor to the DPSP. The ideas and directives outlined in this act were later incorporated into the Indian Constitution as Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • Influence from Irish Constitution: The drafters of the Indian Constitution were influenced by the 1937 Irish Constitution, which included directive principles that focused on social justice and economic welfare. The Indian framers saw the value of incorporating similar principles to guide the government’s policies.
  • Spanish Constitution Influence: The 1931 Spanish Constitution also played a role in shaping the concept of directive principles. The Spanish Constitution emphasized socio-economic rights and laid the foundation for similar ideas in the Indian context.
  • Integration into Indian Constitution: When drafting the Indian Constitution, the framers decided to incorporate directive principles to guide the government in policy-making for social and economic well-being.
  • Balancing Fundamental Rights: The inclusion of DPSP was a way to balance the fundamental rights of citizens with the responsibility of the state to ensure welfare and justice.

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DPSP Importance

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) hold paramount importance in the Indian Constitution as they serve as a compass guiding the government’s efforts towards creating a just, equitable, and welfare-oriented society. While not legally enforceable, DPSP reflect the aspirations of the framers to achieve social and economic democracy by addressing various dimensions of governance. These principles underline the state’s responsibility to uplift marginalized sections, ensure social justice, and promote economic well-being. By providing a roadmap for policy formulation, DPSP play a pivotal role in shaping laws and policies that aim to alleviate poverty, improve public health, promote education, protect the environment, and ensure the overall welfare of citizens. In essence, the DPSP contribute to establishing a harmonious balance between individual rights, state responsibilities, and the pursuit of an inclusive society in India.

DPSP Features

The significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution are:-

  • Innovative Element: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar considered DPSP as an innovative element within the Constitution. They, along with Fundamental Rights, constitute the core philosophy of the Constitution.
  • Conscience of the Constitution: Granville Austin referred to Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles as the “Conscience of the Constitution,” emphasizing their moral and ethical underpinnings.
  • Guiding Policy Development: DPSP guide the government in formulating policies and passing laws. These principles act as ideals that the state should consider while developing economic, social, and political programs.
  • Promoting Economic and Social Democracy: DPSP contribute to the establishment of economic and social democracy by emphasizing social justice, equitable distribution of resources, and welfare programs.
  • Non-Enforceable yet Influential: While DPSP are not legally enforceable, they assist courts in evaluating the legality of laws and policies. They provide a benchmark against which the government’s actions can be measured.

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Important Articles

DPSP Articles List

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are mentioned in Articles 36 to 51 of Part IV of the Indian Constitution. The articles are categorized into three main classifications, which are as follows:

Socialist Principles:

  • Articles 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, and 47 fall under this category. These principles emphasize the state’s role in ensuring social and economic justice, equitable distribution of resources, and improving the standard of living for all citizens.

Gandhian Principles:

  • Articles 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, and 48 are categorized as Gandhian Principles. These principles are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas and focus on promoting village panchayats, rural development, education, and the welfare of weaker sections.

Liberal-Intellectual Principles:

  • Articles 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, and 51 come under this classification. These principles emphasize issues such as a uniform civil code, free and compulsory education, environmental protection, separation of the judiciary from the executive, and the promotion of international peace and security.

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Socialist Principles

The fundamental aim of the DPSP in the Indian Constitution, grounded in socialist principles, is to establish socio-economic justice by addressing disparities prevalent on economic, social, and political fronts. The socialistic ideals of DPSP are outlined as follows:

Article 39: This article directs the State to pursue specific goals including ensuring adequate means of livelihood, regulating resources for the common good, preventing the concentration of wealth in a few hands, ensuring equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, promoting the health and well-being of workers, safeguarding the rights of children, and preventing exploitation of young individuals.

Article 41: This provision emphasizes that the State must guarantee the right to education, employment, and public assistance, especially for those facing unemployment, ill health, disability, and old age.

Article 42: This article underscores the State’s responsibility to create conditions that ensure dignified working conditions and maternity relief for workers.

Article 43: Article 43 emphasizes the State’s role in providing workers with a living wage that enables a decent standard of living.

Article 43A: This article advocates for workers’ participation in the management of industries to empower them in decision-making processes.

Article 47: This pivotal article directs the State to elevate the nutritional standards and focus on public health, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for the masses.

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Gandhian Principles

The Gandhian Principles found in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are called that because they reflect the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, who played a huge role in India’s fight for freedom. These principles and rules in the DPSP show the kind of country Gandhi wanted India to become. Let’s look at the specific articles that show these Gandhian principles:

Article 40: This rule tells the government to help village councils become like their own bosses, just as Gandhi wanted local communities to have a say in their own matters.

Article 43: This rule suggests that the government should support small-scale industries in rural areas, similar to Gandhi’s idea of people making things on their own and helping each other.

Article 43B: This DPSP rule talks about how people should work together in groups, and the government should help them do that, like how Gandhi believed in people cooperating and working together.

Article 46: This rule guides the government to make sure that everyone, especially those who were treated unfairly before, gets a good education and opportunities to improve their lives, which Gandhi strongly believed in.

Article 47: This DPSP rule tells the government to focus on public health by stopping things like alcohol and drugs that can harm people’s health, similar to Gandhi’s ideas about living a healthy life.

Article 48: This rule advises against killing young animals like calves and cows that give milk, so they can grow up and make more milk, in line with Gandhi’s thoughts on respecting all life.

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Liberal-Intellectual Principles

The part of the Directive Principles of State Policy we’re discussing here has been shaped by ideas from liberalism. There are six articles in this section that reflect this kind of thinking. Here are the articles that fall under these liberal-intellectual principles:

Article 44: This DPSP article advises the government to try and establish a single set of laws that would apply to everyone across India, no matter their religion or community. This reflects the idea of fairness and equality.

Article 45: This rule suggests that the government should make sure that young children up to the age of six get proper education and care. It emphasizes the importance of giving every child a good start in life.

Article 48: This article talks about how the government should improve the way farming is done. It focuses on making agriculture better and more organized.

Article 48A: This rule aims to protect and improve the environment and wildlife. It reflects the understanding that nature and animals need to be taken care of.

Article 49: This DPSP article suggests that historical monuments should be protected and preserved. It highlights the value of our history and culture.

Article 50: This article advises that the Judiciary and the Executive should be separate from each other. It stresses the importance of having a balanced and efficient system.

Article 51: This rule aims to work towards achieving international peace. It reflects a desire to build good relationships with other countries and contribute to global harmony.

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Amendments in Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is a part of the Constitution that can be amended, reflecting changes made over the years to adapt to evolving societal needs. Let’s delve into some of these amendments:

42nd Constitutional Amendment: This amendment made alterations and additions to Part IV of the Indian Constitution. It aimed to strengthen the principles outlined in DPSP to promote social, economic, and political justice.

44th Constitutional Amendment: This amendment introduced a new provision, Section 2, to Article 38. According to this, the State was tasked with working towards reducing inequalities in income and opportunities, considering social status and ensuring equitable facilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the areas where acts and reforms have been aligned with the DPSP:

  • Land Reforms: Measures have been taken to ensure equitable land distribution and improve the condition of landless farmers.
  • Labour Reforms: Policies have been enacted to protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and promote safe working conditions.
  • Panchayati Raj: Efforts have been made to empower local self-government bodies, enabling communities to have a say in their development.
  • Cottage Industries: Steps have been taken to promote small-scale industries, supporting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
  • Education: Initiatives have been launched to enhance access to quality education, especially for marginalized sections of society.
  • Rural Area Development (RAD): Various programs have aimed to uplift rural areas by improving infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and overall well-being.
  • Health and Environment: Policies have been implemented to safeguard public health and the environment, aligning with DPSP’s focus on public welfare.
  • Heritage Preservation: Steps have been taken to protect and preserve cultural heritage sites, respecting the values embedded in DPSP.

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Difference Between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

The term “conscience of the constitution” aptly describes both Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and Fundamental Rights as they reflect the core values and aspirations of the Indian Constitution. The Sapru Committee of 1945 played a significant role in shaping both these important aspects. However, there are distinct differences between the two:

1. Justiciability:

  • DPSP is non-justiciable, meaning violations of these principles cannot be legally challenged in courts.
  • Fundamental Rights are justiciable, allowing individuals to seek legal remedies if these rights are violated.

2. Legal Binding:

  • Fundamental Rights are legally binding on the government, and their infringement can lead to legal consequences.
  • DPSP are guidelines that direct the government’s policies and actions but cannot be legally enforced.

3.  Nature:

  • DPSP provide an idealistic framework for the State to work towards the betterment of the nation and its people.
  • Fundamental Rights act as limitations on the government’s power and ensure the protection of individual rights.

4. Approach:

  • DPSP work in an affirmative manner, encouraging the State to take proactive steps for societal well-being.
  • Fundamental Rights have a prohibitive approach, restraining the State from infringing upon citizens’ fundamental liberties.

5. Coexistence and Equality:

  • DPSP and Fundamental Rights coexist harmoniously in the Constitution, reflecting its balanced approach.
  • Neither DPSP nor Fundamental Rights are considered inferior to each other; both hold equal importance in shaping India’s governance and society.

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Cases Associated with DPSP

Several cases in Indian jurisprudence have dealt with the interpretation and implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). While DPSP are not legally enforceable in courts, they have been used as guiding principles in shaping laws and policies. Here are some notable cases associated with DPSP:

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): In this landmark case, the Supreme Court held that while Fundamental Rights are amendable, they cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution. The case established a harmonious balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP, ensuring that the basic structure, including principles of social and economic justice, remains intact.

2. Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980): The Supreme Court in this case highlighted the significance of DPSP and held that they are a “conscience” of the Constitution. The case emphasized the interplay between Fundamental Rights and DPSP, stating that they are complementary to each other and should be read together.

3. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985): The court emphasized that the right to livelihood is an essential part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision linked the right to livelihood with DPSP’s objective of securing social and economic justice.

4. Unnikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993): The court reiterated the importance of education as a fundamental right under Article 21A and its alignment with DPSP’s directive to provide free and compulsory education to children.

5. M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu (1997): In this case, the court emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment and recognized the linkage between environmental protection and DPSP’s directive to protect and improve the environment.

6. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): The court recognized the right to a safe and secure working environment for women and relied on DPSP’s directive to ensure dignity and welfare for women.

7. Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India (1984): The case highlighted the interplay between Fundamental Rights (Article 21) and DPSP (Article 23) in the context of eradicating bonded labor.

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DPSP Full Form in Hindi

“राज्य नीति निदेशिकाएँ” (DPSP) भारतीय संविधान का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है जो संविधान में उल्लिखित विशेष धाराओं की एक संग्रहणी है। यह धाराएँ संविधान के भाग 4 में (धारा 36 से 51 तक) आती हैं।

“राज्य नीति निदेशिकाएँ” का मुख्य उद्देश्य भारत के सरकारी निकायों को संविधान की दिशा-निर्देशित उद्देश्यों के अनुसार नीतियों की तैयारी और अधिनियमन करने में मार्गदर्शन करना है। ये धाराएँ सामाजिक, आर्थिक, और राजनितिक न्याय की प्राप्ति के लिए सरकार को मार्गदर्शित करती हैं।

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Directive Principles of State Policy FAQs

DPSP stands for Directive Principles of State Policy.

The purpose of DPSP is to provide guidelines and principles for the state to formulate policies and laws that promote social, economic, and political justice, and ensure the welfare of the people.

There are a total of 17 articles (Article 36 to Article 51) in the DPSP section of the Indian Constitution.

The DPSP articles are classified into three categories: Socialist Principles, Gandhian Principles, and Liberal-Intellectual Principles.

DPSP-related acts and reforms cover areas such as land reforms, labor reforms, Panchayati Raj, cottage industries, education, rural area development, health, environment, and heritage preservation.
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