Introduction: The Heart of India’s Constitution
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), found in Part IV (Articles 36–51) of the Indian Constitution, are just that, a direction of governance. They are to promote a welfare state and provide social, economic and political justice for all.
The DPSPs were inspired by: The Irish Constitution and the Instrument of Instructions under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Granville Austin characterized them the “Conscience of the Constitution”.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar elucidated them as one of the original features of the Indian Constitution.
The thrust of the DPSPs are not justiciable- Article 37 (that is, for the Courts to enforce) but an important component of governance as they inform the base upon which the State determines policies and legislation.
Judicial Interpretation:
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): The Court held that the Constitution stands on a harmonious balance between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles: as quoted in the Judgment “The Constitution is an organic whole. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are complementary. Both must be harmoniously balanced….”
- In the Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity Case (1996), the Court spoke to the socio-economic significance that the DPSPs represent to citizen welfare, both at the Centre and State levels.
Fundamental Rights uphold individual freedom and liberty, while the Directive Principles are the framework for the State towards collective welfare.
Gandhian Principles: Rural Development and Ethical Politics
The Gandhian principles within the DPSPs reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology ‘Emphasizing self-reliance, empowerment of rural areas, truth, non-violence, and service to mankind.
They are about rural development, social harmony, and economic decentralization to achieve Gandhi’s dream for “Gram Swaraj” or self-rule in every village.
Key Articles and Features
| Article | Provision | Purpose / Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Article 40 | Organization of village panchayats | Forms the base of local self-government; realized through the 73rd Amendment (1992) which established the Panchayati Raj system. |
| Article 43 | Promotion of cottage industries | Encourages small-scale and rural industries on an individual or cooperative basis — aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. |
| Article 43B (97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011) | Promotion of cooperative societies | Promotes voluntary, democratic, and professional management of cooperatives; Ministry of Cooperation (2021) was set up to strengthen this vision. |
| Article 46 | Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections | Directs the State to protect marginalized groups from social injustice and exploitation. |
| Article 47 | Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition, standard of living, and improve public health | Foundation for welfare schemes like Poshan Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat, and Mid-Day Meal Scheme. |
| Article 48 | Prohibition of cow slaughter and preservation of cattle | Reflects Gandhi’s belief in ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion for living beings. |
NOTE- To understand how the Constitution balances national security with individual freedoms, read our detailed analysis on Articles 33 and 34 of the Indian Constitution
The Gandhian ideals reflected:
- Satyagraha: Truth and morality as the means for social transformation.
- Swaraj: Focus on self-rule and participatory democracy.
- Trusteeship: Rich people behave as trustees for the benefit of society.
- Sarvodaya: “Welfare for everyone”, where focus is to uplift the weakest person.
- Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, action, and speech.
- Seva: Compassionate public service as a moral obligation.
Current Context
- Ministry of Cooperation (2021) is pursuing the vision of “Sahkar se Samridhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), which focuses to strengthen cooperatives.
- PM Vishwakarma Scheme (2023) assists artisans and small manufacturers and echoes the ideal of cottage industry under Article 43.
- Digital Panchayats, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, and Smart Villages programs promote Gandhiji’s vision for rural India as self-reliant.
Socialist Principles: Foundation of a Welfare State
The Socialist Principles of the Directive Principles of State Policy aim to establish social and economic justice, reduce inequalities, and guarantee human dignity for the people of India, which serve as the foundation of India’s welfare state.
The Socialist Principles show the vision of a society where resources are shared equitably, opportunities are available to everyone without discrimination, and public governance is for the benefit of the whole population rather than maximizing individual profit.
Key Articles and Their Provisions
| Article | Provision | Purpose / Scheme Example |
|---|---|---|
| Article 38 | The State shall promote social, economic, and political justice and minimize inequalities in income and status. | Forms the base for welfare schemes like PM Awas Yojana, PM Kisan, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana. |
| Article 39 (a–f) | Ensures the right to livelihood, equitable distribution of resources, equal pay, health protection, and child welfare. | Implemented through Equal Remuneration Act, Child Labour (Prohibition) Act, Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, and Child Protection Laws. |
| Article 39A (42nd Constitutional Amendment Act) | Ensures free legal aid and equal access to justice. | Operationalized by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. |
| Article 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, or disability. | MNREGA, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and Old Age Pension Schemes bring this to life. |
| Article 42 | Secures just and humane working conditions and maternity relief. | Maternity Benefit Act, Paternity Benefit Bill (2019) (pending). |
| Article 43A (42nd CAA) | Ensures workers’ participation in the management of industries. | Promotes industrial democracy and reduces labor unrest. |
| Article 47 | Directs the State to raise the level of nutrition, standard of living, and improve public health. | Reflected in Ayushman Bharat, National Food Security Act, and Mid-Day Meal Scheme. |
Contemporary Status
- MGNREGA and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana actualize the Right to Work (Article 41).
- The Code on Wages (2019) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020) sustains equal pay for equal work and ensures safe workplaces.
- While providing a public health-focused digital ecosystem, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission addresses public health goals (Article 47).
- Legal aid and justice initiatives issued through NITI Aayog’s Ease of Justice Index to ensure justice for the legal disadvantaged of society are consolidated under Article 39A.
- Social Security codes (2020), which codify welfare measures to provide a legal framework, represent a significant milestone in India evolving into a modern progressive welfare state.
NOTE-The harmony between socialist goals and property rights underpins DPSPs — explore this balance in our post on Articles 31A, 31B, and 31C
Balancing Between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs
The Indian Constitution sees harmony in balancing between Fundamental Rights and the welfare of society, or collective welfare.
- Fundamental Rights (Part III): Individual liberty and freedom.
- DPSPs (Part IV): Social and economic justice for the community.
Minerva Mills Judgment (1980):
The Supreme Court reiterated that Fundamental Rights and DPSPs are complementary rather than contradictory.
Neither should prevail over the other – both must exist together for a social order that creates balance, stability, and peace.
“To give absolute primacy to one over the other would disturb the harmony of the Constitution.”
Most welfare schemes related to free legal aid, rural employment, public health, education, etc., were the results of interfacing enforceable rights and guiding principles.
NOTE-Curious how citizens can seek justice when rights are violated? Check out our comparative breakdown of the Writ Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Relevance for UPSC
DPSPs are particularly rewarding topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS Paper II). Questions often connect constitutional values/mandates with welfare schemes or the interpretation that judicial decisions have made.
Prelims
Be prepared to identify Articles and Amendments connected to DPSPs, as well as schemes related to the Articles. Know court cases, such as Minerva Mills, Paschim Banga, and Kesavananda Bharati. Existing government schemes also serve as useful context for questions about DPSPs.
Here are some specific things to focus on:
- 42nd Amendment, 73rd Amendment, 97th Amendment (this is key)
- MNREGA should be recognized as related to Article 41; Ayushman Bharat – related to Article 47.
- Most notably, prepare for questions framed around the recent government welfare schemes (for example: free rations, free health care).
Mains
In Mains, you should think about the relevance of DPSPs in achieving socio-economic justice, balancing fundamental rights with DPSPs, or whether provisions that are currently considered non-justiciable under the constitution serve any legal or moral purpose today. There are many examples in all these instances.
Example Question from GS Paper II for the UPSC: “The Directive Principles of State Policy have shifted from non-justiciable ideals to enforceable measures of governance. Discuss with examples.”
UPSC PYQs on Gandhian & Socialist DPSPs
| Year | Question | Type | Answer / Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Prelims) | Which DPSP ensures free legal aid to the poor? | Objective | Article 39A – Socialist Principle |
| 2023 (Prelims) | Which Article directs the State to organize village panchayats? | Objective | Article 40 – Gandhian Principle |
| 2020 (Prelims) | Which of the following are Gandhian principles in DPSPs? | Objective | Village panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition of intoxicants |
| 2017 (Prelims) | The Directive Principles reflect ideals of which two ideologies? | Objective | Gandhian and Socialist |
| 2013 (Mains) | “Directive Principles of State Policy are the conscience of the Constitution.” Discuss with reference to Gandhian and Socialist ideals. | Mains (GS Paper 2) | Analytical – Focus on Article 38, 40, 43, 47 |
| 2011 (Mains) | Examine how DPSPs aim to establish a welfare state in India. | Mains (GS Paper 2) | Based on Socialist Principles – Article 38, 39, 41 |
Conclusion: The Constitution is a Living Document
The Gandhian Directive Principles and the Socialist Directive Principles are not esoteric ideals, but rather moral compasses for law making and social change.
- They create a sense of duty, justice, and equality into governance – thereby creating a living document known as the Constitution of India.
- They have brought India from a colonial economy to a modern welfare state.
- Cooperative federalism, women welfare, child welfare, labour rights, public health find their roots in these principles.
As the Supreme Court correctly referred to them – DPSPs are “the conscience of the Constitution.”
Their worth is increasing as India aims at an inclusive, sustainable, equitable development.
If you’re a UPSC aspirant aiming to master topics like DPSPs and Fundamental Rights, don’t miss our step-by-step guide on UPSC Preparation Strategy: From Prelims to Interview in Your First Attempt
FAQs on DPSP (Most Searched)
Q1. What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)?
They are guidelines for governance mentioned in Part IV (Articles 36–51), aimed at ensuring social and economic justice in India.
Q2. What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs?
Fundamental Rights are justiciable (enforceable in court), while DPSPs are non-justiciable but fundamental for governance.
Q3. What are Gandhian Principles in DPSP?
They reflect Gandhiji’s ideas of rural self-governance, cottage industries, social justice, prohibition, and upliftment of weaker sections (Articles 40, 43, 46–48).
Q4. What are Socialist Principles in DPSP?
They aim for reducing inequality, ensuring social welfare, equal pay, legal aid, and public health (Articles 38–43A, 47).
Q5. Are DPSPs relevant today?
Absolutely. Modern welfare schemes — from MNREGA to Ayushman Bharat — are direct implementations of DPSPs’ socialist and Gandhian ideals.
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