Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Articles 36 to 51 Explained | UPSC/RPSC
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a set of guiding principles laid down in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36–51). These principles aim to establish India as a welfare state by providing socio-economic justice and setting goals for governance.
Also Read in Hindi: भारतीय संविधान के निदेशक सिद्धांत – हिंदी में
Table of Contents
- What are DPSPs?
- Importance of DPSP
- Articles 36 to 51 Explained
- Types of DPSPs (Socialist, Gandhian, Liberal)
- DPSP vs Fundamental Rights
- Important Supreme Court Cases
- Relevance in Modern Times
- MCQ + Revision Questions
- Join + Interlink + Read More
What are Directive Principles of State Policy?
DPSPs are non-justiciable principles laid down to guide the governance of the country. They aim to establish social and economic democracy.
- Inspired by the Irish Constitution
- Included in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51)
- Not legally enforceable but fundamental in governance
Importance of DPSP
- Ensure a just, equitable, and humane society
- Bridge the gap between Fundamental Rights and reality
- Guide lawmaking and governance policy
Articles 36 to 51 – Explained
- Article 36: Defines the term 'State' (same as in Article 12)
- Article 37: DPSPs are not enforceable by courts but are fundamental in governance
- Article 38: Promote welfare of the people
- Article 39: Principles of policy (e.g., adequate livelihood, equal pay for equal work)
- Article 40: Organisation of Village Panchayats
- Article 41: Right to work, education and public assistance
- Article 42: Humane conditions of work and maternity relief
- Article 43: Living wage, decent standard of life
- Article 44: Uniform Civil Code for the citizens
- Article 45: Early childhood care and education
- Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of SC/ST
- Article 47: Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and public health
- Article 48: Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
- Article 48A: Protection and improvement of environment
- Article 49: Protection of monuments and places of national importance
- Article 50: Separation of judiciary from executive
- Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security
Classification of DPSPs
1. Socialist Principles
- Articles 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47
2. Gandhian Principles
- Articles 40, 43B, 46, 47, 48
3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles
- Articles 44, 45, 48A, 49, 50, 51
Fundamental Rights vs DPSPs
| Aspect | Fundamental Rights | DPSPs |
|---|---|---|
| Part | Part III | Part IV |
| Articles | 12 to 35 | 36 to 51 |
| Enforceable? | Yes (justiciable) | No (non-justiciable) |
| Nature | Individual-centric | State-centric |
| Objective | Civil and political rights | Socio-economic goals |
Landmark Cases
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980): Harmony between FRs and DPSPs
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Balance between Part III and Part IV
- Golaknath Case (1967): FRs cannot be amended to affect their essence
Relevance of DPSP Today
- Basis for social justice laws like MGNREGA, RTE
- Framework for environmental protection, nutrition programs
- Guides state policy on gender equality and employment
Revision – MCQ + Short QA
MCQs:
- Which part of the Constitution deals with DPSP? → Part IV
- Are DPSPs enforceable by court? → No
- DPSPs were inspired by which Constitution? → Irish
- Uniform Civil Code is under which Article? → Article 44
- Separation of judiciary is in? → Article 50
Short Q&A:
- How many Articles in DPSP? → 36 to 51
- Which principle promotes Panchayati Raj? → Article 40
- Which Article deals with nutrition and public health? → Article 47
- Article for environmental protection? → Article 48A
- Is DPSP legally enforceable? → No, moral obligation only
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Part of Constitution Series – Sarkari Service Prep™
Essay-Style Answer: Major Decisions by the Central Government Influenced by DPSPs
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) have played a significant role in shaping the legislative and executive actions of the Indian Central Government. Although not enforceable in courts, DPSPs serve as a constitutional mandate for achieving socio-economic justice and creating a welfare state. Below is a comprehensive essay-style explanation highlighting major decisions and laws formulated by the Central Government under the influence of DPSPs:
1. Right to Education (Article 21A) – 86th Amendment
Inspired by Article 45 (Early childhood care and education), the Central Government enacted the Right to Education Act (RTE), making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
2. MGNREGA – Right to Work
Based on Articles 39 and 41, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was launched in 2005 to provide guaranteed wage employment to rural households.
3. National Food Security Act (2013)
In line with Article 47, which mandates the State to ensure nutrition and public health, this Act provides subsidized food grains to two-thirds of India's population.
4. Environmental Protection Legislation
Article 48A and 51A(g) influenced the formulation of laws such as the Environment Protection Act (1986), Forest Rights Act, and National Green Tribunal Act to safeguard the environment.
5. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debates and Law Commission Reports
Although UCC (Article 44) is not implemented yet, it remains a major topic of debate, law commission discussion, and political agendas at the national level.
6. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Aligned with Articles 39 and 47, this scheme aims to enhance child nutrition and school enrolment by providing free meals in government schools.
7. National Health Mission
Based on Article 47, various national health programs have been launched to improve public health and access to affordable healthcare across India.
Conclusion:
The Central Government has consistently relied on DPSPs as a guiding light to enact welfare policies and legislation. Even though these principles are non-enforceable, their moral and constitutional authority has shaped India's progress toward a just and equitable society.
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