The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution are outlined in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51). These principles provide guidelines for the government in formulating policies and making laws to achieve socio-economic justice and the overall welfare of the people.
- Article 36: Definition of State:
- This article defines the term “State” for the purpose of the DPSP. It includes the government and Parliament of India, the government and legislature of each state, and all local or other authorities within the territory of India.
- Article 37: Application of the Principles Contained in this Part:
- Article 37 clarifies that the principles laid down in DPSP are fundamental in the governance of the country and shall not be enforceable by any court. However, the principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.
- Article 38: State to Secure a Social Order for the Promotion of Welfare of the People:
- Article 38 emphasizes that the State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice—social, economic, and political—shall inform all institutions of the national life.
- Article 39: Certain Principles of Policy to be Followed by the State:
- Article 39 outlines several principles including the operation of the economic system to ensure the distribution of wealth and resources for the common good, and to prevent concentration of wealth and means of production.
- Article 40: Organization of Village Panchayats:
- This article directs the State to take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority to enable them to function as units of self-government.
- Article 41: Right to Work, Education, and Public Assistance in Certain Cases:
- Article 41 directs the State to secure to all citizens the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
- Article 42: Provision for Just and Humane Conditions of Work and Maternity Relief:
- Article 42 directs the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
- Article 43: Living Wage, etc., for Workers:
- Article 43 emphasizes the living wage, conditions of work, and opportunities for rest and leisure for workers, whether agricultural, industrial, or otherwise.
- Article 43A: Participation of Workers in Management of Industries:
- Article 43A was added by the 42nd Amendment and encourages the State to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments, or other organizations engaged in any industry.
- Article 44: Uniform Civil Code for the Citizens:
- This article directs the State to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. However, this directive has not been implemented yet.
- Article 45: Provision for Early Childhood Care and Education to Children below the Age of Six Years:
- Article 45 directs the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
- Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Weaker Sections:
- This article directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
- Article 47: Duty of the State to Raise the Level of Nutrition and the Standard of Living and to Improve Public Health:
- Article 47 emphasizes the duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
- Article 48: Organization of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry:
- Article 48 directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
- Article 48A: Protection and Improvement of Environment and Safeguarding of Forests and Wildlife:
- Article 48A was added by the 42nd Amendment and mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
- Article 49: Protection of Monuments and Places and Objects of National Importance:
- Article 49 emphasizes the protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.
- Article 50: Separation of Judiciary from Executive:
- This article directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
- Article 51: Promotion of International Peace and Security:
- Article 51 directs the State to promote international peace and security and maintain just and honorable relations between nations.
These articles collectively form the DPSP and provide a framework for the government’s policies to strive towards achieving social and economic justice, equality, and the overall welfare of the people.
