The Directive Principles is the ideology of the Irish Constitution and Articles 36-51 of the Indian Constitution (Under Part-IV) contain the Directive Principles of State Policy. These provisions have been incorporated to achieve the amelioration of the socio-economic conditions of the masses. The transition from Laissez-Faire State to a welfare State has necessitated the State to take proactive and positive steps for the welfare of the people.

List of DPSPs under Indian Constitution

Article 36: Defines State as same as Article 12 unless the context otherwise defines.
Article 37: Application of the Principles contained in this part.
Article 38: It authorizes the state to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of people.
Article 39: Certain principles of policies to be followed by the state.
Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
Article 40: Organization of village panchayats.
Article 41: Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
Article 42: Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity leaves.
Article 43: Living wage etc. for workers.
Article 43-A: Participation of workers in management of industries.
Article 43-B: Promotion of cooperative societies.
Article 44: Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Article 45: Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
Article 46: Promotion of education and economic interests of SC, ST, and other weaker sections.
Article 47: Duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
Article 48: Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Article 48-A: Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.
Article 49: Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.

Classification of DPSP

What is the purpose of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

The purpose of the Directive Principle of State Policy is “Welfare of State”. The Directive Principles are the guidelines that the Union and state governments must follow when developing policy or passing legislation. They establish specific social, economic, or political concepts that are appropriate for India’s unique circumstances.

Significance of Directive Principles of State Policy

DPSP Under Preamble

• The Preamble is known as the insight into the Constitution’s framers’ mindset.
• It outlines the Constitution’s goals and aspirations.
• Many scholars view Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) as the Constitution’s core.
• DPSPs offer guidelines for the state, reflecting the Preamble’s overarching aims.
• The concept of social, economic, and political justice is pursued through DPSPs.
• DPSPs align with the Preamble’s ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
• They also embody the welfare state concept, which colonial India lacked.

Enforceability of DPSPs

Many times the question arises that whether an individual can sue the state government or the central government for not following the directive principles enumerated in Part IV. The answer to this question is in negative.

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