Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) - Articles 36-51 for UPSC

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): The “To-Do List” for Building a Welfare India

Think of a government school in a village near Ballari getting new classrooms and toilets. Think of an ASHA worker in a tribal hamlet of Odisha helping a pregnant woman reach a PHC on time. Think of a ration shop in Madhya Pradesh giving subsidised wheat and rice to a poor family. Think of a public bus in Bengaluru offering reserved seats for senior citizens and women. These daily realities feel “normal” today, but they are not accidents. They are connected to a powerful part of the Constitution called Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

DPSP are not like Fundamental Rights where you can directly go to court and demand enforcement. Still, DPSP shape the direction of India’s governance. They push India toward a welfare state—a country where the State actively works to reduce poverty, inequality, and injustice, and improves living conditions for all.

Why DPSP Were Included: The Big Idea Behind a Welfare State

India became independent with huge challenges: poverty, illiteracy, caste discrimination, unemployment, poor health, and weak infrastructure. The Constitution makers knew that only political democracy (elections and rights) would not be enough. India also needed social and economic democracy.

DPSP were included to make sure that every government—whether at Centre or in states—keeps working toward:

• Reducing inequality between rich and poor
• Providing basic services like education, health, and nutrition
• Protecting workers and ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions
• Supporting vulnerable groups like SCs, STs, women, children, elderly, and disabled
• Protecting environment and heritage

In simple words, Fundamental Rights protect you from misuse of power, while DPSP push the State to use power for public good.

The Constitutional Base: Articles 36–37 Explain the Nature of DPSP

Article 36: What is “the State” for DPSP?

DPSP use the same broad meaning of “State” as used in the Constitution. It includes the Union, states, and public authorities. This means policies can be created at many levels: Parliament, state legislatures, municipalities, and panchayats.

Article 37: Non-justiciable, but fundamental in governance

This is the heart of DPSP:

• DPSP are not enforceable by courts (non-justiciable).
• But they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
• It is the duty of the State to apply them while making laws and policies.

Simple meaning: A citizen cannot usually file a case only to demand a DPSP directly. But DPSP strongly influence laws, budgets, schemes, and even court interpretation of rights.

Full Map of DPSP (Articles 38–51): What the State Must Aim For

DPSP cover many goals. For UPSC, the best way is to understand them in themes and then remember key articles.

1) Social and Economic Justice (Core Welfare Articles)

• Article 38: Promote welfare of people; reduce inequalities in income, status, facilities, opportunities.
• Article 39: Secure adequate means of livelihood; distribute resources for common good; prevent concentration of wealth; equal pay for equal work; protect children and workers.
• Article 39A: Provide free legal aid and ensure justice is not denied due to economic reasons.
• Article 41: Right to work, education, and public assistance in cases like unemployment, old age, sickness, disability (within State capacity).
• Article 42: Just and humane conditions of work; maternity relief.
• Article 43: Living wage and decent standard of life for workers.
• Article 43A: Worker participation in management of industries.
• Article 47: Improve nutrition and public health; raise standard of living; reduce harmful intoxication.

2) Gandhian Principles (Village and Social Reform Focus)

• Article 40: Organise village panchayats and give them powers.
• Article 43: Promote cottage industries in rural areas.
• Article 46: Promote educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections; protect them from exploitation.
• Article 48: Organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern lines; preserve and improve breeds; ban slaughter of certain cattle.

3) Liberal-Intellectual Principles (Institutional and Ethical Goals)

• Article 44: Endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code.
• Article 45: Early childhood care and education for children (focus on young children; it changed in emphasis after the Right to Education was introduced).
• Article 48A: Protect and improve environment; safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 49: Protect monuments and places of national importance.
• Article 50: Separate judiciary from executive in the State.
• Article 51: Promote international peace, just relations, respect for international law, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Most Asked UPSC Topic: Classification of DPSP (With a Comparison Table)

UPSC often expects you to classify DPSP into three categories: Socialist, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual.

How DPSP Work in Real Life: From Article to Policy

DPSP become reality through laws, schemes, budgets, and institutions. The best way to learn DPSP is to connect each article with real Indian programs.

Article 38 and 39: Reducing inequality and preventing concentration of wealth

India faces visible inequality: luxury apartments in Mumbai and Gurugram on one side, and slums and underpaid informal work on the other. These articles push the State to reduce inequality and distribute resources for common good.

• Public distribution system (PDS) supports food security for crores of people.
• Rural employment through MGNREGA provides up to 100 days of wage employment for rural households.
• Financial inclusion drives bank accounts and digital payments, helping direct benefits reach villages in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the Northeast.

Exam-ready point: Article 39 does not mean “no rich people.” It means the State must stop unfair concentration and ensure a fair chance for everyone.

Article 39A: Legal aid and access to justice

Justice becomes meaningless if only the rich can afford lawyers. That is why legal aid is crucial. In many districts, legal services authorities run legal aid clinics. This helps:

• Poor undertrials who cannot afford lawyers
• Women facing domestic violence
• Workers cheated by contractors
• Senior citizens facing property disputes

Indian example: A daily wage worker in a district jail in Jharkhand may remain in jail for months for a small offence unless legal aid helps him get bail quickly.

Article 40: Panchayati Raj and local self-government

Village roads, street lights, local water supply, and sanitation are best handled locally. Article 40 encouraged decentralisation. India strengthened this through constitutional changes and state-level laws.

Indian examples:

• Gram panchayats managing local development works
• Village-level planning and social audits in many states
• Local bodies implementing schemes like drinking water connections and sanitation drives

Articles 41–43: Work, wages, social security, and humane work conditions

India has a huge informal workforce: construction workers in Bengaluru, factory workers in Tiruppur, delivery workers in cities, and seasonal agricultural workers in Punjab and Haryana.

• Minimum wage laws and labour protections reflect the spirit of living wage and humane conditions.
• Social security support is critical for old age and disability, especially in rural areas.
• Maternity relief supports women workers and mothers, especially in low-income groups.

Simple example: A woman working in a garment unit in Delhi needs maternity support to avoid losing job and income during pregnancy and childbirth.

Article 43A: Worker participation in management

This aims for a more democratic workplace. It supports ideas like worker representation and participatory management in industries, especially where workers’ lives depend heavily on safe and fair operations.

Indian example: In large industrial belts—like those around Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chennai—worker participation can improve safety, productivity, and trust.

Article 44: Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

This is one of the most debated DPSP. The idea is to work toward common civil laws for all citizens in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption—while balancing diversity and reform.

Indian context: Different personal laws can lead to different outcomes for citizens in different communities. The debate often focuses on:

• Gender justice
• Equality before law
• Respect for cultural diversity
• Social reform through gradual change

UPSC approach: Write balanced answers. Emphasise constitutional values like equality and dignity while acknowledging India’s diversity and need for careful implementation.

Article 45 and 47: Early childhood care, nutrition, and public health

Children are the future workforce and citizens. Nutrition and early education decide lifetime outcomes. These articles support:

• Anganwadi services for early childhood care
• School meals and nutrition support
• Public health infrastructure like PHCs, vaccination, and maternal care

Indian examples:

• Anganwadis in rural Maharashtra and tribal Gujarat providing supplementary nutrition
• School meal programs supporting attendance and nutrition
• Public health campaigns for immunisation in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Article 48A: Environment protection and forests

Air pollution in Delhi, water pollution in rivers near industrial towns, and deforestation in parts of the Western Ghats show why environment is a governance issue. Article 48A guides policies like:

• Forest and wildlife protection
• Pollution control measures
• Conservation of wetlands and biodiversity

Indian example: Protecting tiger reserves, elephant corridors, and mangroves is not just “wildlife love.” It supports climate resilience, water security, and livelihoods.

Articles 49–50: Heritage protection and separation of judiciary

Heritage sites like Hampi, Ajanta-Ellora, and Sun Temple are national assets. They bring tourism income and cultural pride. Meanwhile, separating judiciary from executive supports fair justice at the ground level.

Article 51: International peace and cooperation

In a globalised world, India’s economy and security depend on peaceful relations, stable trade routes, and global cooperation. This DPSP supports India’s diplomatic approach and international commitments.

DPSP vs Fundamental Rights: The Most Important UPSC Comparison

This is a top UPSC theme. Remember: Fundamental Rights are enforceable; DPSP are guiding principles. But both are essential for a balanced Constitution.

Simple exam line: Fundamental Rights are the “don’t cross this line” limits on State power, while DPSP are the “move in this direction” goals for State policy.

Landmark Judgments: How Courts Balanced Rights and DPSP

State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)

This early case showed that when there is a direct conflict, Fundamental Rights can prevail over DPSP. It led to important constitutional and policy debates on balancing equality with social justice measures.

Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Basic Structure

This case is important because it protected the Constitution’s core identity. It ensured that Parliament cannot destroy the basic structure while amending. This indirectly protected both rights and the democratic process that enables welfare policies.

Minerva Mills (1980): Harmony between Part III and Part IV

This case strongly supported the idea that Fundamental Rights and DPSP are not enemies. They are complementary. The Constitution aims for both individual freedom and social justice.

Olga Tellis (Right to livelihood under Article 21)

Courts expanded Article 21 to include livelihood and dignity. This shows how DPSP goals (welfare and social justice) can influence the meaning of enforceable rights.

Unni Krishnan (Education as a right, later strengthened by constitutional change)

The push for education as a right connects the DPSP goal of education with enforceable rights. Later, education became a stronger constitutional guarantee for children through changes in constitutional framework.

What’s Happening Now (2025–2026): DPSP in Today’s Governance Debates

DPSP feel “old” because they were written decades ago, but their relevance is rising because today’s challenges are big: jobs, health, climate, inequality, digital access, and urban growth.

1) Welfare schemes vs fiscal pressure

Many state governments run large welfare programs like free electricity, free bus travel for certain groups, subsidised food, and cash support. These can reflect DPSP goals like welfare and reducing inequality. At the same time, governments must ensure fiscal discipline so essential services like health and education do not suffer.

UPSC angle: Welfare is not wrong. The question is design and sustainability: targeted support, transparency, and long-term outcomes.

2) Jobs and skills: Article 41 in focus

Youth in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and parts of the Northeast often demand better jobs and skills. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram attract talent, but not everyone can access these opportunities.

Policy direction: Skill development, MSME support, manufacturing growth, and better education quality are closely linked to Article 41’s spirit.

3) Public health and nutrition: Article 47 stays central

Health is not only hospitals; it is also clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and prevention. Big Indian challenges include anaemia, child nutrition gaps, non-communicable diseases, and air pollution-related health issues.

Simple link: Article 47 supports spending and focus on PHCs, vaccinations, nutrition programs, and safe drinking water.

4) Environment and climate: Article 48A becomes urgent

Extreme heat in cities, floods in coastal belts, water stress in drought-prone districts, and forest pressure in hill states show why environment is now an everyday issue, not only a “green topic.”

UPSC linkage: Environment protection must go with development: cleaner energy, sustainable transport, pollution control, and biodiversity protection.

5) Local governance: Article 40 and urban challenges

Urban India is growing fast. Cities need stronger local governance for waste management, water supply, transport, and housing. Many problems—garbage mountains, traffic, flooding after heavy rain—need empowered local bodies and better planning.

Benefits of DPSP: Why They Matter for India’s Stability and Growth

• They guide welfare policies: Food security, rural employment, health missions, housing programs connect to DPSP.
• They reduce social tensions: When weaker sections get support, society becomes more stable.
• They promote long-term development: Education, nutrition, and health build human capital.
• They strengthen democracy: People vote not only for freedom, but also for better living conditions.
• They shape judicial interpretation: DPSP values often help courts interpret the scope of fundamental rights like dignity and livelihood.

Simple conclusion: DPSP are India’s moral and developmental compass. They keep governments focused on people, not only power.

Challenges and Concerns: Why DPSP Goals Are Hard to Achieve

1) Non-justiciable nature

Since DPSP are not directly enforceable, governments can ignore them without immediate legal punishment. Progress depends on political will and public pressure.

2) Limited resources and competing priorities

Every budget has limits. Spending on welfare must compete with spending on infrastructure, defence, and debt payments. Poorer states often face greater pressure.

3) Implementation gap

Many schemes look excellent on paper but fail due to:

• Leakages and corruption
• Weak local capacity
• Shortage of staff (teachers, doctors, frontline workers)
• Poor monitoring and data quality

4) Federal challenges

Some welfare goals need Centre-state coordination. Different states have different capacities. For example, a health program works differently in Kerala compared to a remote district in central India.

5) Welfare vs populism confusion

Some programs create real long-term benefit (nutrition, education, healthcare). Some may become purely short-term freebies without improving capacity. The challenge is to ensure welfare spending builds long-term human development.

Way Forward: Making DPSP More Effective and Exam-Relevant Recommendations

• Outcome-based budgeting: Measure results, not only spending. Track learning outcomes, health indicators, and nutrition improvements.
• Strengthen local governance: Empower panchayats and municipalities with funds, functionaries, and clear responsibilities.
• Improve last-mile delivery: Use technology carefully for transparency, while ensuring access for people with low digital literacy.
• Invest in human capital: Prioritise education quality, healthcare, and nutrition—these have the highest long-term returns.
• Better targeting: Support should reach the genuinely needy; reduce leakages through strong audits and community monitoring.
• Social accountability: Expand social audits, grievance redressal, and citizen participation in local works.
• Balance welfare with fiscal sustainability: Design schemes with clear funding plans and periodic review.
• Link environment with development: Promote clean energy, pollution control, and conservation while creating green jobs.

Wrap-up: DPSP Are India’s Development Promise

DPSP may not be enforceable in court like Fundamental Rights, but they define what India wants to become: a country with less inequality, more dignity, better health and education, fair wages, strong local democracy, protected environment, and social justice for the vulnerable.

For UPSC, remember one line: Fundamental Rights protect individuals; DPSP guide the State; together they build a democratic welfare India.

Previous Year UPSC Questions (PYQs) with Answers

Practice MCQs (with Answers)

1. Which of the following best describes the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?

   • A) They are enforceable rights available only to citizens
   • B) They are enforceable rights available to all persons
   • C) They are non-justiciable guidelines that are fundamental in governance
   • D) They are rules only for the judiciary

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Article 37 makes DPSP non-enforceable but fundamental in governance.

2. Which article is directly linked to free legal aid and ensuring justice is not denied due to economic reasons?

   • A) Article 38
   • B) Article 39A
   • C) Article 44
   • D) Article 50

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Article 39A focuses on legal aid and equal access to justice.

3. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

   • A) Article 40 – Uniform Civil Code
   • B) Article 44 – Organisation of village panchayats
   • C) Article 48A – Protection of environment, forests and wildlife
   • D) Article 51 – Separation of judiciary from executive

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Article 48A deals with environment protection; Article 50 deals with separation of judiciary from executive.

4. Which category of DPSP is most closely associated with decentralisation and village development?

   • A) Socialist principles
   • B) Gandhian principles
   • C) Liberal-Intellectual principles
   • D) Emergency provisions

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Gandhian DPSP include Article 40 (panchayats) and rural upliftment ideas.

5. In case of a direct conflict between Fundamental Rights and DPSP, which statement is the best UPSC-style conclusion?

   • A) DPSP always override Fundamental Rights
   • B) Fundamental Rights always override DPSP without exception
   • C) The Constitution aims for harmony; courts try to balance both, but enforceable rights are protected strongly
   • D) Courts do not consider DPSP at all

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The constitutional approach evolved toward harmony and balance between Part III and Part IV.