SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Directive Principles of State Policy
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. What are DPSPs?
- Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines or principles given to the central and state governments to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies.
- Enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 36 to 51).
- Inspired by: Irish Constitution (Ireland)
- Objective: Establish a Welfare State in India.
- Note: Not justiciable (not enforceable by any court).
- Help in achieving the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity in the Preamble.
2. Classification of DPSPs
DPSPs can be classified into 3 broad categories:
A. Socialist Principles → Promote social & economic equality
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| 38 | Promote welfare of the people, reduce inequality |
| 39 | Equal pay for equal work, prevent concentration of wealth, right to livelihood |
| 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance |
| 42 | Humane conditions for work and maternity relief |
| 43 | Living wage and decent standard of life |
| 47 | Raise level of nutrition and public health |
B. Gandhian Principles → Reflect Gandhi's vision of self-reliant rural India
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| 40 | Organisation of village panchayats |
| 43 | Promote cottage industries in rural areas |
| 46 | Promote education and economic interests of SCs, STs and weaker sections |
| 47 | Prohibit consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs |
| 48 | Prohibit slaughter of cows and improve breeds of cattle |
C. Liberal-Intellectual Principles → Promote ideals of liberalism & international peace
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| 44 | Uniform Civil Code for all citizens |
| 45 | Free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years (now moved to Article 21A as a Fundamental Right) |
| 48 | Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry |
| 49 | Protect monuments and places of national importance |
| 50 | Separation of judiciary from executive in public services |
| 51 | Promote international peace and security |
3. Important Articles (36 to 51) -- Quick Snapshot
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 36--37 | Definition and application of DPSPs |
| 38 | State to secure social order |
| 39 | Principles of policy (equal pay, livelihood, childhood care, etc.) |
| 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
| 40 | Village Panchayats |
| 41 | Right to work, education, public assistance |
| 42 | Humane conditions at work and maternity relief |
| 43 | Cottage industry and living wage |
| 43A | Participation of workers in management of industries (42nd Amendment) |
| 44 | Uniform Civil Code |
| 45 | Childhood education (now shifted to Fundamental Rights under 21A) |
| 46 | Promotion of weaker sections' education & economy |
| 47 | Raise nutrition and health level |
| 48 | Agriculture and animal husbandry |
| 48A | Protection of environment (added by 42nd Amendment) |
| 49 | Monuments and heritage sites |
| 50 | Separation of judiciary from executive |
| 51 | Promotion of international peace |
4. Comparison: Fundamental Rights vs. DPSPs
| Feature | Fundamental Rights | DPSPs |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Constitution | Part III (Articles 12--35) | Part IV (Articles 36--51) |
| Nature | Justiciable (enforceable in court) | Non-justiciable (not enforceable in court) |
| Aim | Establish political democracy | Establish social and economic democracy |
| Target | Individual rights | Directive to the State |
| Supremacy (Original) | Fundamental Rights | Subordinate to FRs |
| Amendments | 42nd Amendment gave DPSPs greater importance | Court may enforce DPSPs indirectly via judgments |
Landmark Case: Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
Supreme Court: "Harmony should be maintained between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs. They are
complementary and not contradictory."
Developed By Satyam Kumar
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