Defined by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as a novel feature of the Indian Constitution, Directive Principle of State Policy’s (“DPSP”) are a set of social and economic obligation imposed on the Government (Union & State) to establish a welfare society. They are basically the guidelines on which a government shall make laws and are non-justifiable in nature.
They can be classified into the following categories:
- Socialistic:
- Securing welfare of people (Art. 38)
- Securing proper distribution of material resources of the community as to best serve the common good, equal pay for equal work and protection of childhood and youth against exploitation (Art. 39)
- Curing right to work, education etc. (Art. 41)
- Securing just and humane condition of work and maternity relief (Art. 42)
- Gandhian:
- Organisation of village Panchayats (Art. 40)
- Secure living wage, decent standard of living, and to promote cottage industries. (Art. 43)
- Provide free and compulsory education to all children up to 14 years of age (Art. 45)
- Promote economic and educational interest of the weaker section of the people, particularly Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes
- Enforce prohibition of intoxication and cow slaughter and to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on scientific lines (Art. 46-48)
- Liberal Intellectual:
- Secure uniform civil code throughout the territory (Art 44)
- Separation of judiciary from Executive (Art 50)
- Protect monuments of historic and national importance (Art. 49)
- Promote international peace and security (Art. 51)