Question

The aim of ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’ is :
1. To establish a socialist state
2. To establish an independent society
3. To establish a welfare state
4. To establish ‘Ram Rajya’ of Gandhiji

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : To establish a welfare state

The correct answer is To establish a welfare state.

• The aim of Directive Principles of State Policy is to establish a welfare state.

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is mentioned in Part IV of the Indian constitution from articles 36 to 51.
• Features of DPSP
  • It denotes the ideals that the State should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws.
  • It resembles the ‘Instrument of Instructions’ enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935.
  • It constitutes a very comprehensive economic, social and political programme for a modern democratic State.
  • They promote social and economic democracy. They embody the concept of a ‘welfare state’ 
  • DPSP are non-justiciable.
• Classification of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
• The Constitution of India does not formally classify the Directive Principles of State Policy but for better understanding and on the basis of content and direction- they can be classified into three categories: Socialistic Principles, Gandhian Principles, and Liberal-Intellectual Principles.
  • Socialistic Principles
    • These principles contemplate the ideology of socialism and lay down the framework of a democratic socialist state. The concept envisages providing social and economic justice, so that state should achieve the optimum norms of the welfare state. They direct the state through- Article 38, Article 39, Article 39 A, Article 41, Article 42, Article 43, Article 43 A and Article 47.
  • Gandhian Principles
    • These principles reflect the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Gandhi during the national movement. In order to fulfil the dreams of Gandhi, some of his ideas were included in DPSP and they direct the state through- Article 40, Article 43, Article 43 B, Article 46, Article 47 and Article 48.
  • Liberal-Intellectual Principles
    • These principles inclined towards the ideology of liberalism and they direct the state through- Article 44, Article 45, Article 48, Article 48 A, Article 49, Article 50 and Article 51.

• Article 40 - To organise village panchayats to function as units of self-government.
• Article 44 - To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country.
• Article 45 - To provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
• Article 47 - To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.
• Article 48 - To prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle and to improve their breeds.
• Article 48A - To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 50 - To separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
• Article 51 - Promote international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations, Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
• Directive Principles of State Policy are borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland.
• Dr B R Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel features’ of the Constitution.