DPSP under the Indian Constitution [Redirects to CLATalogue]

Introduction 

The Directive Principles of State Policy, which are outlined in Part IV of the Constitution, specify the goals and objectives that the states must adopt to govern the nation. The concept of DPSP has been taken from the Irish Constitution.

The DPSP outlines specific economic and social policies that the Indian government must implement. They impose particular duties on the state to act favorably in specific directions to advance public welfare and achieve economic democracy.

Article 36 of the Indian Constitution

Article 36 of the Indian Constitution defines “state” as used in Part IV, which encompasses the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). It clarifies that the term “state” in Article 36 holds the same meaning defined in Article 12 of Part III of the Constitution.

Article 36 establishes a consistent understanding of the term “state” across different parts of the Constitution. By linking it to Article 12, this provision ensures that the concept of “state” remains uniform and is approbated to the same significance throughout the Constitution, including fundamental rights and directive principles.

Article 37 of the Indian Constitution

Article 37 of the Indian Constitution outlines that the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not legally enforceable by courts. Instead, it indicates that the principles in Part IV of the Constitution are fundamental guidelines the state should keep in mind while framing laws and policies.

Article 37 recognizes the importance of these principles in guiding the state’s governance decisions. Although not directly enforceable, they serve as a moral compass for legislative action, emphasizing the state’s duty to work toward the welfare of the people and the development of a just and equitable society.

Article 38 of the Indian Constitution

Article 38 emphasizes that the state should work to secure the welfare of the people. This involves preserving social, economic, and political justice and promoting all citizens’ welfare. Additionally, the state minimizes disparities in status, opportunities, and amenities among various sections of society.

Article 38 underscores the importance of achieving social and economic equality. It signifies the state’s commitment to uplifting marginalized sections and ensuring the development benefits are accessible to all citizens. Article 38 aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society by promoting social justice.

Article 39 of the Indian Constitution

Article 39 of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the state’s obligation to ensure adequate means of subsistence for all citizens.

1. The article stresses preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production to the detriment of the common good.
2. It advocates for equal pay for equal work.
3. The article enumerates that people shouldn’t take advantage of children’s young and vulnerable years. Children shouldn’t be pressured by financial hardship to pursue careers that aren’t healthy for their physical and psychological development.

Article 39 seeks to establish economic equality by advocating equal pay for equal work and discouraging exploitative employment practices. Additionally, it aims to protect children’s rights and ensure that financial pressure does not compel individuals to engage in occupations harmful to their health and development.

Article 39A of the Indian Constitution

This article was added by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976. This provision extends the right to free legal assistance, ensuring access to justice for all citizens, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged.

Article 39A acknowledges that equal justice is essential to a just society. By providing free legal aid, the article seeks to ensure that socio-economic constraints do not hinder an individual’s access to legal remedies and protection of their rights.

Article 40 of the Indian Constitution

Village panchayat organizations are governed by Article 40. To implement this directive, the Parliament passed the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which added Part 9 to the Constitution and addressed panchayats at the village level.

Article 40 aims to empower local communities by decentralizing decision-making and administration. Establishing village panchayats promotes participatory democracy, as citizens are directly involved in local governance and development initiatives.

Article 41 of the Indian Constitution

Article 41, “Right to Work, Education, and Public Assistance,” requires the state to make adequate provisions for securing the right to work, the right to education, and the right to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, illness, or disability within the boundaries of its economic capacity.

Article 41 reflects the commitment to socio-economic well-being. It led to the passing of necessary legislation, such as the Right to Education Act and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This provision aims to uplift vulnerable groups and provide them with opportunities for dignified living.

The state passed the Right to Education Act and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 in furtherance of achieving the objectives under this act.

Article 42 of the Indian Constitution

Article 42 of the Indian Constitution is a directive principle that underlines the responsibility of the state to establish just and humane conditions of work and provide maternity relief.

The first aspect of Article 42 emphasizes the creation of fair, just, and humane working conditions for individuals across different occupations. This includes addressing reasonable wages, appropriate working hours, safe environments, and protecting employees’ rights. This directive aims to prevent exploitation and promote a dignified work atmosphere. Several laws and regulations in India embody this principle, including the Factories Act of 1948, which focuses on the health, safety, and welfare of workers in factories. Additionally, various labour laws and regulations, such as the Minimum Wages Act and the Payment of Wages Act, contribute to ensuring equitable treatment, reasonable compensation, and decent working hours for employees.

The second facet of Article 42 centres around providing maternity relief, acknowledging the significance of support for pregnant women and new mothers. The Maternity Benefits Act of 1961 is a pivotal law in this regard, as it outlines provisions for maternity leave, payment of maternity benefits, and other facilities to ensure the well-being of pregnant and nursing women. The Act aligns with the directive to offer maternity relief to women employees in the workforce.

Although the Directive Principles of State Policy are not legally enforceable in courts, they serve as guidelines for the government to craft policies and laws for the betterment of society. It’s worth mentioning that while discussing just and humane conditions of work, the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 stands out as it prohibits gender-based wage discrimination and promotes equal pay for equal work, fostering fairness and equality in the workplace.

Furthermore, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, while not directly related to Article 42, contributes to the creation of just and humane conditions of work by addressing workplace harassment and creating a safer work environment.

Article 42 of the Indian Constitution reflects the commitment of the state to establish equitable working conditions and provide maternity relief. Through various laws and regulations such as the Factories Act, the Maternity Benefits Act, the Equal Remuneration Act, and more, the principles of Article 42 are translated into actionable measures that contribute to the welfare and dignity of workers and pregnant women across the nation.

Article 43 of the Indian Constitution

Article 43 emphasizes the State’s responsibility to ensure that all workers, whether engaged in agriculture, industry, or other fields, receive a wage that is sufficient to provide them with a decent standard of living.

The article also stresses the need for suitable working conditions that contribute to a dignified life for workers. This includes factors such as safe working environments, reasonable working hours, and appropriate facilities.

The directive in Article 43 aligns with the broader vision of creating a welfare state in India, where the government is responsible for the welfare and development of its citizens.

The emphasis on cottage industries recognizes the importance of decentralized economic activities and rural development. This can help reduce the economic disparities between urban and rural areas.

Article 44 of the Indian Constitution

Article 44 of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the establishment of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that applies uniformly to all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. The underlying intention is to foster social cohesion and unity among diverse religious communities by ensuring consistent personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

The UCC primarily aims to eliminate disparities due to varying personal laws rooted in religious beliefs.

It envisions a legal framework that upholds equality, justice, and gender fairness. Article 44 aims to create a fair and uniform legal system that respects individual rights and promotes a level playing field for all citizens, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

Article 45 of the Indian Constitution

Article 45 highlights the significance of providing early care and education to children under six. The emphasis is on building a solid foundation for their comprehensive development, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions.

This provision recognizes that investing in early childhood education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and achievement.

This particular DPSP was made into a fundamental right by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002. This amendment has added a new article 21A which has made the right to education a fundamental right. It provides that the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6 to 14 years in such manner as the state may by law determine.

Article 45 underscores the importance of ensuring children receive quality education and care during their formative years, equipping them for formal education. It aims to enhance their cognitive abilities, language skills, creativity, and social interactions. This early intervention reduces educational disparities and empowers children to become informed and active citizens.

Article 46 of the Indian Constitution

Article 46 acknowledges the historical disadvantages faced by marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). It seeks to address these disparities through affirmative action and measures that promote their social upliftment.

To make reservations for SC, ST, and OBC, the Parliament amended articles 15 and 16 with new clauses for the advancement of EWS and individuals falling under the abovementioned categories.

Article 46 seeks to promote social justice and inclusive development. This article aims to bridge socio-economic gaps and ensure equal participation in the nation’s progress by providing reservations in education and employment. It underscores the government’s commitment to rectify historical inequalities and create a more equitable society.

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution

Article 47 places a significant emphasis on public health and well-being. It mandates that the state work towards improving its citizens’ nutrition and living standards. Additionally, the provision seeks to regulate the consumption of harmful substances, such as drugs and alcoholic beverages, for non-medical purposes.

Article 47 aims to prioritize the health of the population. By regulating substance abuse, the article aims to mitigate the adverse effects of addiction on individuals, families, and society.

Furthermore, the focus on nutrition improvement aims to prevent malnutrition and related health issues, contributing to a healthier and more productive populace.

Article 48 of the Indian Constitution

Article 48 underscores the necessity of modernizing agricultural practices and animal husbandry. It highlights the importance of preventing the slaughter of cows, calves, and milch and draught cattle while promoting the preservation and improvement of cattle breeds.

The article aims to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. By encouraging modern techniques and scientific methods in farming, the article seeks to enhance farm productivity and rural livelihoods.

The protection of cattle breeds acknowledges their cultural, economic, and ecological significance and promotes their conservation.

Article 48A of the Indian Constitution

Introduced by the 42nd Amendment Act, this Article reflects the growing global awareness of environmental conservation. It underscores the state’s responsibility to protect and improve the environment, specifically focusing on forest and wildlife preservation.

Article 48A addresses ecological concerns and aims to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. It emphasizes the importance of environmental balance, recognizing that responsible stewardship is crucial for the well-being of present and future generations.

By protecting forests, wildlife, and ecological systems, this provision contributes to environmental sustainability.

Article 49 of the Indian Constitution

Article 49 aims to safeguard India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. It pertains to protecting ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and items of national importance.

Article 49 seeks to preserve and showcase the nation’s diverse heritage, from ancient civilizations to recent historical periods.

The provision ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate India’s past by safeguarding monuments and archaeological sites. This contributes to fostering a sense of national identity and cultural understanding.

The Ancient and Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites, and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act 1951 was passed by Parliament in furtherance of this article.

Article 50 of the Indian Constitution

Article 50 focuses on maintaining the integrity of the legal system. It underscores the importance of separating the judiciary from the executive branch of government, ensuring an impartial and fair administration of justice.

Article 50 aims to prevent any undue influence on the legal process. The provision seeks to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law by ensuring that the judiciary operates independently, free from political pressures. This separation safeguards citizens’ rights and promotes the equitable application of legal standards.

Article 51 of the Indian Constitution

Article 51 emphasizes India’s commitment to global peace, security, and cooperation. It encourages the state to promote international harmony and adherence to international treaties and laws. As per this article, the state is obliged to:-

1. Encourage world peace and security,
2. Uphold moral and just relations between states
3. Encourage adherence to international treaties and laws.
4. Promote the resolution of international conflicts by arbitration

Article 51 reflects India’s dedication to ethical and just relations with other nations. By promoting peace and cooperation, the provision aims to contribute to a stable international environment.

It recognizes that upholding international norms and treaties benefits India and the global community, fostering positive interactions and conflict resolution.

Source: Lawctopus