What are DPSP? The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enumerated in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Constitution. Borrowed from the Irish Constitution, they are instructions to the State to be kept in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws. They seek to establish a "Welfare State".
Nature and Features of DPSP
- Non-Justiciable: Cannot be enforced by courts for their violation.
- Fundamental in Governance: Article 37 declares them fundamental in the governance of the country.
- Instrument of Instructions: Resemble the 'Instrument of Instructions' under GOI Act, 1935.
- Aim: Social and Economic Democracy.
Classification of Principles
Although the Constitution does not classify them, they are generally divided into three categories based on their content:
| Category | Ideology | Key Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Socialist Principles | Social & Economic Justice | 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47 |
| Gandhian Principles | Program of Reconstruction | 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48 |
| Liberal-Intellectual | Liberalism | 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, 51 |
Socialist Principles
- Art 38: Promote welfare of people (Social, Economic, Political justice).
- Art 39: Adequate livelihood, distribution of material resources, equal pay for equal work.
- Art 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
- Art 42: Just and humane conditions of work, maternity relief.
Gandhian Principles
- Art 40: Organize Village Panchayats.
- Art 43: Promote cottage industries.
- Art 46: Promote educational/economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections.
- Art 47: Prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs.
- Art 48: Prohibit slaughter of cows/calves.
Liberal-Intellectual Principles
- Art 44: Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
- Art 45: Early childhood care and education (0-6 years).
- Art 50: Separation of Judiciary from Executive.
- Art 51: Promote international peace and security.
New DPSPs Added by Amendments
- 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Art 39A (Free Legal Aid), 39(f) (Child dev), 43A (Workers participation), 48A (Environment).
- 44th Amendment (1978): Added Art 38(2) (Minimize inequalities).
- 86th Amendment (2002): Changed subject matter of Art 45 (Education).
- 97th Amendment (2011): Added Art 43B (Cooperative Societies).
Quick Facts for UPSC
- Source: Irish Constitution (which took from Spanish).
- Granville Austin: Described DPSP and FR as the "Conscience of the Constitution".
- B.R. Ambedkar: Called DPSP as "Novel Features".
- Article 44: Talk of Uniform Civil Code (Goa is the only state with full UCC).
Conflict between FRs and DPSP
The relationship has evolved through SC judgments:
- Champakam Dorairajan (1951): FRs prevail over DPSP.
- Golaknath (1967): FRs are sacrosanct.
- Minerva Mills (1980): Constitution is founded on the "bedrock of balance" between FRs and DPSP. This is the current position.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (Selected)
Q1. The ideal of 'Welfare State' in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its: (Prelims 2015)
A. Preamble
B. Directive Principles of State Policy
C. Fundamental Rights
D. Seventh Schedule
Answer: B. DPSP aims at establishing a Welfare State.
Q2. Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment? (Prelims 2017)
A. Equal pay for equal work
B. Participation of workers in management of industries
C. Right to
work
D. Secure living wage
Answer: B. Article 43A was added.
Practice MCQs
- Which Article deals with separation of Judiciary from Executive?
A. Article 44
B. Article 49
C. Article 50
D. Article 51 - Uniform Civil Code is a:
A. Gandhian Principle
B. Socialist Principle
C. Liberal-Intellectual Principle
D. None of the above - Which amendment added the provision of Cooperative Societies (Art 43B)?
A. 73rd
B. 86th
C. 91st
D. 97th - DPSP are:
A. Justiciable
B. Non-Justiciable
C. Fundamental Rights
D. Enforceable by Writs - Who described DPSP as a "Cheque on a bank payable at the convenience of the bank"?
A. B.R. Ambedkar
B. K.T. Shah
C. Jawaharlal Nehru
D. K.M. Munshi
View Answer Key
1. C | 2. C | 3. D | 4. B | 5. B
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of DPSP?
Aims to establish social and economic democracy and a 'Welfare State'.
Is there any conflict between FR and DPSP?
Yes. However, the SC in Minerva Mills case ruled that there should be a harmonious construction and balance between the two.
Which Article deals with UCC?
Article 44 directs the state to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
Are DPSP binding on the State?
They are not legally binding (non-justiciable) but are fundamental in governance, and it is the duty of the State to apply them.