Directive Principles of State Policy | Polity for UPSC 2024 (Pre & Mains) PDF Download

 Page 1


 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36
• Directive Principles of Stat
Contitution were borrowed from Article 45 of 
Ireland which had further 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
• The idea of DPSPs may be seen similar to the
Instructions incorporated in GOI Act 1935. 
Governor-General and to the
British Government under the
• DPSPs are seen as containing socio
incorporated within Part III of the Const
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. 
welfare state envisaged i
states endeavour to implement DPSPs 
• Article 36 informs that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well. 
• Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws."
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
tasks of making laws and policies
• The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
rhetorical language, hope, ideals and
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities
their success or failure could be judged.
 
Lecture- 7 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Part IV of the Indian 
borrowed from Article 45 of the Constitution of  
further borrowed them from the Spanish Co
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
of DPSPs may be seen similar to the Instrument of 
s incorporated in GOI Act 1935.  These were issued to the 
General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the 
British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.
are seen as containing socio-economic rights that were not 
incorporated within Part III of the Constitution due to the circumstances 
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. The idea of a 
welfare state envisaged in our Constitution can only be achieved if the 
tes endeavour to implement DPSPs with a high sense of moral duty. 
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well.  
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws." These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
of making laws and policies.  
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
ical language, hope, ideals and goals rather than the actual realit
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to set standards of achievement before the 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities, by which 
their success or failure could be judged. 
51) 
IV of the Indian 
the Constitution of  
borrowed them from the Spanish Constitution. 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country.  
issued to the 
Governors of the colonies of India by the 
Government of India Act of 1935. 
economic rights that were not 
itution due to the circumstances 
idea of a 
achieved if the 
with a high sense of moral duty.  
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
goals rather than the actual reality of 
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
before the 
, by which 
Page 2


 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36
• Directive Principles of Stat
Contitution were borrowed from Article 45 of 
Ireland which had further 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
• The idea of DPSPs may be seen similar to the
Instructions incorporated in GOI Act 1935. 
Governor-General and to the
British Government under the
• DPSPs are seen as containing socio
incorporated within Part III of the Const
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. 
welfare state envisaged i
states endeavour to implement DPSPs 
• Article 36 informs that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well. 
• Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws."
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
tasks of making laws and policies
• The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
rhetorical language, hope, ideals and
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities
their success or failure could be judged.
 
Lecture- 7 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Part IV of the Indian 
borrowed from Article 45 of the Constitution of  
further borrowed them from the Spanish Co
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
of DPSPs may be seen similar to the Instrument of 
s incorporated in GOI Act 1935.  These were issued to the 
General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the 
British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.
are seen as containing socio-economic rights that were not 
incorporated within Part III of the Constitution due to the circumstances 
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. The idea of a 
welfare state envisaged in our Constitution can only be achieved if the 
tes endeavour to implement DPSPs with a high sense of moral duty. 
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well.  
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws." These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
of making laws and policies.  
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
ical language, hope, ideals and goals rather than the actual realit
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to set standards of achievement before the 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities, by which 
their success or failure could be judged. 
51) 
IV of the Indian 
the Constitution of  
borrowed them from the Spanish Constitution. 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country.  
issued to the 
Governors of the colonies of India by the 
Government of India Act of 1935. 
economic rights that were not 
itution due to the circumstances 
idea of a 
achieved if the 
with a high sense of moral duty.  
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
goals rather than the actual reality of 
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
before the 
, by which 
 
• However, these directions are non
Court for their enforcement. 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful p
them.’ The public opinion is a force behind D
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these
• Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
 
   
 
• The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves
divided over the DPSPs. Many 
unenforceable set of exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others a
of Part III and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
of detail that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing 
justice alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
slaughter. 
• While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underly
into the following domains:
 
 
 
 
r, these directions are non-justiciable and one can’t approach the 
Court for their enforcement. Dr. Ambedkar had stated that ‘while DPSPs 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful political sanction backing 
The public opinion is a force behind DPSPs.  Alladi 
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the DPSPs were neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these principles’ 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
                
The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves were deeply 
divided over the DPSPs. Many could not see the utility of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others argued for placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing abstract principles of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underlying philosophy can be categorised 
into the following domains: 
Lack of sufficient financial resources
Presence of vast diversity and backwardness
Infant democracy-too many pressures
justiciable and one can’t approach the 
while DPSPs 
olitical sanction backing 
e neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible 
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable: 
were deeply 
of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over the level 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow 
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
ing philosophy can be categorised 
ient financial resources 
vast diversity and backwardness 
too many pressures 
Page 3


 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36
• Directive Principles of Stat
Contitution were borrowed from Article 45 of 
Ireland which had further 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
• The idea of DPSPs may be seen similar to the
Instructions incorporated in GOI Act 1935. 
Governor-General and to the
British Government under the
• DPSPs are seen as containing socio
incorporated within Part III of the Const
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. 
welfare state envisaged i
states endeavour to implement DPSPs 
• Article 36 informs that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well. 
• Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws."
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
tasks of making laws and policies
• The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
rhetorical language, hope, ideals and
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities
their success or failure could be judged.
 
Lecture- 7 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Part IV of the Indian 
borrowed from Article 45 of the Constitution of  
further borrowed them from the Spanish Co
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
of DPSPs may be seen similar to the Instrument of 
s incorporated in GOI Act 1935.  These were issued to the 
General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the 
British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.
are seen as containing socio-economic rights that were not 
incorporated within Part III of the Constitution due to the circumstances 
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. The idea of a 
welfare state envisaged in our Constitution can only be achieved if the 
tes endeavour to implement DPSPs with a high sense of moral duty. 
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well.  
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws." These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
of making laws and policies.  
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
ical language, hope, ideals and goals rather than the actual realit
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to set standards of achievement before the 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities, by which 
their success or failure could be judged. 
51) 
IV of the Indian 
the Constitution of  
borrowed them from the Spanish Constitution. 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country.  
issued to the 
Governors of the colonies of India by the 
Government of India Act of 1935. 
economic rights that were not 
itution due to the circumstances 
idea of a 
achieved if the 
with a high sense of moral duty.  
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
goals rather than the actual reality of 
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
before the 
, by which 
 
• However, these directions are non
Court for their enforcement. 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful p
them.’ The public opinion is a force behind D
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these
• Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
 
   
 
• The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves
divided over the DPSPs. Many 
unenforceable set of exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others a
of Part III and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
of detail that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing 
justice alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
slaughter. 
• While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underly
into the following domains:
 
 
 
 
r, these directions are non-justiciable and one can’t approach the 
Court for their enforcement. Dr. Ambedkar had stated that ‘while DPSPs 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful political sanction backing 
The public opinion is a force behind DPSPs.  Alladi 
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the DPSPs were neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these principles’ 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
                
The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves were deeply 
divided over the DPSPs. Many could not see the utility of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others argued for placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing abstract principles of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underlying philosophy can be categorised 
into the following domains: 
Lack of sufficient financial resources
Presence of vast diversity and backwardness
Infant democracy-too many pressures
justiciable and one can’t approach the 
while DPSPs 
olitical sanction backing 
e neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible 
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable: 
were deeply 
of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over the level 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow 
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
ing philosophy can be categorised 
ient financial resources 
vast diversity and backwardness 
too many pressures 
 
Socialist/ Welfarist: 
Articles 
38 
Promote the welfare of the people
social, economic and political justice
M
and opportu
39 
Right to adequate means of livelihood
Equitable distribution of material resources
Prevention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production
Equal pay for equal work
Preservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children
H
39 A 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
41 
Right to work and education
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability
42 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief
43 
Living wage
Decent standard of living
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
 
Provisions 
romote the welfare of the people by ensuring 
social, economic and political justice 
Minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
and opportunities (44
th
 AA) 
ight to adequate means of livelihood 
quitable distribution of material resources
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production 
Equal pay for equal work 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children 
Healthy development of children (42
nd
 AA)
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
nd
 AA) 
Right to work and education 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief 
Living wage 
Decent standard of living 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
by ensuring 
inimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
quitable distribution of material resources 
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
AA) 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
just and humane conditions of work and maternity 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers 
Page 4


 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36
• Directive Principles of Stat
Contitution were borrowed from Article 45 of 
Ireland which had further 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
• The idea of DPSPs may be seen similar to the
Instructions incorporated in GOI Act 1935. 
Governor-General and to the
British Government under the
• DPSPs are seen as containing socio
incorporated within Part III of the Const
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. 
welfare state envisaged i
states endeavour to implement DPSPs 
• Article 36 informs that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well. 
• Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws."
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
tasks of making laws and policies
• The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
rhetorical language, hope, ideals and
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities
their success or failure could be judged.
 
Lecture- 7 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Part IV of the Indian 
borrowed from Article 45 of the Constitution of  
further borrowed them from the Spanish Co
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
of DPSPs may be seen similar to the Instrument of 
s incorporated in GOI Act 1935.  These were issued to the 
General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the 
British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.
are seen as containing socio-economic rights that were not 
incorporated within Part III of the Constitution due to the circumstances 
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. The idea of a 
welfare state envisaged in our Constitution can only be achieved if the 
tes endeavour to implement DPSPs with a high sense of moral duty. 
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well.  
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws." These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
of making laws and policies.  
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
ical language, hope, ideals and goals rather than the actual realit
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to set standards of achievement before the 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities, by which 
their success or failure could be judged. 
51) 
IV of the Indian 
the Constitution of  
borrowed them from the Spanish Constitution. 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country.  
issued to the 
Governors of the colonies of India by the 
Government of India Act of 1935. 
economic rights that were not 
itution due to the circumstances 
idea of a 
achieved if the 
with a high sense of moral duty.  
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
goals rather than the actual reality of 
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
before the 
, by which 
 
• However, these directions are non
Court for their enforcement. 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful p
them.’ The public opinion is a force behind D
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these
• Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
 
   
 
• The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves
divided over the DPSPs. Many 
unenforceable set of exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others a
of Part III and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
of detail that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing 
justice alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
slaughter. 
• While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underly
into the following domains:
 
 
 
 
r, these directions are non-justiciable and one can’t approach the 
Court for their enforcement. Dr. Ambedkar had stated that ‘while DPSPs 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful political sanction backing 
The public opinion is a force behind DPSPs.  Alladi 
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the DPSPs were neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these principles’ 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
                
The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves were deeply 
divided over the DPSPs. Many could not see the utility of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others argued for placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing abstract principles of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underlying philosophy can be categorised 
into the following domains: 
Lack of sufficient financial resources
Presence of vast diversity and backwardness
Infant democracy-too many pressures
justiciable and one can’t approach the 
while DPSPs 
olitical sanction backing 
e neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible 
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable: 
were deeply 
of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over the level 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow 
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
ing philosophy can be categorised 
ient financial resources 
vast diversity and backwardness 
too many pressures 
 
Socialist/ Welfarist: 
Articles 
38 
Promote the welfare of the people
social, economic and political justice
M
and opportu
39 
Right to adequate means of livelihood
Equitable distribution of material resources
Prevention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production
Equal pay for equal work
Preservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children
H
39 A 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
41 
Right to work and education
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability
42 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief
43 
Living wage
Decent standard of living
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
 
Provisions 
romote the welfare of the people by ensuring 
social, economic and political justice 
Minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
and opportunities (44
th
 AA) 
ight to adequate means of livelihood 
quitable distribution of material resources
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production 
Equal pay for equal work 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children 
Healthy development of children (42
nd
 AA)
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
nd
 AA) 
Right to work and education 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief 
Living wage 
Decent standard of living 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
by ensuring 
inimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
quitable distribution of material resources 
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
AA) 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
just and humane conditions of work and maternity 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers 
 
43 A 
Participation of workers in management of 
industries
47 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living
Improve public health
 
Gandhian: 
Articles Provisions
40 
Village panchayats as units of local self 
government
43 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
industries in rural areas
43 B 
Promotion of cooperative societies
46 
Promote educational and economic interests 
SCs, STs and weaker sections
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
injustice
47 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
and drugs
48 
Prohibit cow
 
Liberal-Intellectual: 
Articles 
 
Participation of workers in management of 
industries (42
nd
 AA) 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living
Improve public health 
Provisions 
Village panchayats as units of local self 
government 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
industries in rural areas 
Promotion of cooperative societies (97
th
 AA)
Promote educational and economic interests 
SCs, STs and weaker sections 
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
injustice 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
and drugs 
Prohibit cow, milch and draught cattle slaughter 
Provisions 
Participation of workers in management of 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
AA) 
Promote educational and economic interests of 
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
slaughter  
Page 5


 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36
• Directive Principles of Stat
Contitution were borrowed from Article 45 of 
Ireland which had further 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
• The idea of DPSPs may be seen similar to the
Instructions incorporated in GOI Act 1935. 
Governor-General and to the
British Government under the
• DPSPs are seen as containing socio
incorporated within Part III of the Const
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. 
welfare state envisaged i
states endeavour to implement DPSPs 
• Article 36 informs that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well. 
• Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws."
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
tasks of making laws and policies
• The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
rhetorical language, hope, ideals and
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities
their success or failure could be judged.
 
Lecture- 7 
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)
Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Part IV of the Indian 
borrowed from Article 45 of the Constitution of  
further borrowed them from the Spanish Co
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country. 
of DPSPs may be seen similar to the Instrument of 
s incorporated in GOI Act 1935.  These were issued to the 
General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the 
British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.
are seen as containing socio-economic rights that were not 
incorporated within Part III of the Constitution due to the circumstances 
at hand and the resource constraints that India faced. The idea of a 
welfare state envisaged in our Constitution can only be achieved if the 
tes endeavour to implement DPSPs with a high sense of moral duty. 
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Rights applies to DPSPs as well.  
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
principle there in lay down are nevertheless fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
apply these principles in making laws." These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
of making laws and policies.  
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
ical language, hope, ideals and goals rather than the actual realit
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
appears to have been to set standards of achievement before the 
legislature and executive, the local and other authorities, by which 
their success or failure could be judged. 
51) 
IV of the Indian 
the Constitution of  
borrowed them from the Spanish Constitution. 
Part  IV of the Indian Constitution sets out the aims and objectives to  
be taken up by the states in the governance of the country.  
issued to the 
Governors of the colonies of India by the 
Government of India Act of 1935. 
economic rights that were not 
itution due to the circumstances 
idea of a 
achieved if the 
with a high sense of moral duty.  
nforms that the meaning of ‘State’ in Part IV is the same as in 
Part III. Hence the broad definition of State extended to Fundamental 
Article 37 makes the purpose of DPSPs clear. It states, “The provisions 
s part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the 
fundamental in the 
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to 
These are directions given not 
merely to the executive but also the legislature to guide them in their 
The word 'fundamental', in the governance of 'the country' is described in 
goals rather than the actual reality of 
government. The principal object in enacting the directive principles 
before the 
, by which 
 
• However, these directions are non
Court for their enforcement. 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful p
them.’ The public opinion is a force behind D
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these
• Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
 
   
 
• The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves
divided over the DPSPs. Many 
unenforceable set of exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others a
of Part III and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
of detail that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing 
justice alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
slaughter. 
• While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underly
into the following domains:
 
 
 
 
r, these directions are non-justiciable and one can’t approach the 
Court for their enforcement. Dr. Ambedkar had stated that ‘while DPSPs 
enjoy no legal sanction, they have a powerful political sanction backing 
The public opinion is a force behind DPSPs.  Alladi 
Krishnaswamy Iyer argued that while the DPSPs were neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
can or will ignore these principles’ 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable:
                
The members of the Constituent Assembly themselves were deeply 
divided over the DPSPs. Many could not see the utility of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
chapter altogether, while others argued for placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
contradictions inherent in placing abstract principles of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
The DPSPs according to their underlying philosophy can be categorised 
into the following domains: 
Lack of sufficient financial resources
Presence of vast diversity and backwardness
Infant democracy-too many pressures
justiciable and one can’t approach the 
while DPSPs 
olitical sanction backing 
e neither justiciable 
not enforceable, it would be ‘idle to suggest that any responsible 
government or any legislature elected on the basis of universal suffrage 
Now the question arises as to why were DPSPs not made enforceable: 
were deeply 
of an 
exhortations. Some recommended scrapping the 
placing it within the domain 
and the fundamental rights. Still others argued over the level 
that the DPSPs set out. And some of them pointed out the 
of economic 
alongside concrete policies like prohibition and controlling cow 
While ensuring certain basic rights to people, the Constitution makers 
also wanted DPSPs to become effective instruments for social revolution. 
ing philosophy can be categorised 
ient financial resources 
vast diversity and backwardness 
too many pressures 
 
Socialist/ Welfarist: 
Articles 
38 
Promote the welfare of the people
social, economic and political justice
M
and opportu
39 
Right to adequate means of livelihood
Equitable distribution of material resources
Prevention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production
Equal pay for equal work
Preservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children
H
39 A 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
41 
Right to work and education
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability
42 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief
43 
Living wage
Decent standard of living
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
 
Provisions 
romote the welfare of the people by ensuring 
social, economic and political justice 
Minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
and opportunities (44
th
 AA) 
ight to adequate means of livelihood 
quitable distribution of material resources
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
of production 
Equal pay for equal work 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
and children 
Healthy development of children (42
nd
 AA)
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice
(42
nd
 AA) 
Right to work and education 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
sickness and disability 
just and humane conditions of work and materni
relief 
Living wage 
Decent standard of living 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers
by ensuring 
inimise inequalities in income, status, facilities 
quitable distribution of material resources 
revention of concentration of wealth and means 
reservation of the health and strength of workers 
AA) 
Free legal aid to poor to promote equal justice 
Public assistance for unemployment, old age, 
just and humane conditions of work and maternity 
Social and Cultural opportunities for workers 
 
43 A 
Participation of workers in management of 
industries
47 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living
Improve public health
 
Gandhian: 
Articles Provisions
40 
Village panchayats as units of local self 
government
43 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
industries in rural areas
43 B 
Promotion of cooperative societies
46 
Promote educational and economic interests 
SCs, STs and weaker sections
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
injustice
47 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
and drugs
48 
Prohibit cow
 
Liberal-Intellectual: 
Articles 
 
Participation of workers in management of 
industries (42
nd
 AA) 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living
Improve public health 
Provisions 
Village panchayats as units of local self 
government 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
industries in rural areas 
Promotion of cooperative societies (97
th
 AA)
Promote educational and economic interests 
SCs, STs and weaker sections 
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
injustice 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
and drugs 
Prohibit cow, milch and draught cattle slaughter 
Provisions 
Participation of workers in management of 
Increase level of nutrition and standard of living 
Promotion of individual and cooperative cottage 
AA) 
Promote educational and economic interests of 
Safeguard them from exploitation and social 
Prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks 
slaughter  
 
44 
Unifor
45 
Early childhood care and education till 6 years of 
age
48 
Animal husbandry on modern and scientific basis
48 A 
Protect and improve environment
Safeguard forests and wild life
49 
Protect monuments, objects and things 
and artistic interest that are of national importance
50 
Separate Judiciary from Executive
 
International Peace and Security:
 
Apart from the directives/ guidelines found in Part IV, the Constitution also 
mentions some others in different parts of the Constitution. 
Articles 
335 
Claims of SCs and STs to
Union and states
350 
Instruction in mother tongue for primary 
education of children of linguistic minorities by 
Article 51 
Promote 
Foster 
obligations
S
 
Uniform Civil Code 
Early childhood care and education till 6 years of 
age (86
th
 AA) 
Animal husbandry on modern and scientific basis
Protect and improve environment 
Safeguard forests and wild life (42
nd
 AA)
Protect monuments, objects and things of historic 
and artistic interest that are of national importance
Separate Judiciary from Executive 
International Peace and Security: 
Apart from the directives/ guidelines found in Part IV, the Constitution also 
mentions some others in different parts of the Constitution. These include:
Provisions 
Claims of SCs and STs to services and posts of 
Union and states 
Instruction in mother tongue for primary 
education of children of linguistic minorities by 
Promote  international peace and security
Foster  respect for international law and treaty 
obligations 
Settlement of international disputes by arbitration 
Early childhood care and education till 6 years of 
Animal husbandry on modern and scientific basis 
AA) 
of historic 
and artistic interest that are of national importance 
Apart from the directives/ guidelines found in Part IV, the Constitution also 
These include: 
services and posts of 
education of children of linguistic minorities by 
international peace and security 
law and treaty 
by arbitration