Directive Principles of State Policy (Indian Polity and Governance) Part-I

Total Questions: 40

1. The purpose of the inclusion of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution is to establish: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2002]

Correct Answer: (d) Social and Economic Democracy
Solution:The purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy is to establish social and economic democracy. This will help India grow as a welfare state.

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enshrined in Articles 36 to 51 of Part IV of the Indian Constitution. These concepts aim to create a welfare state in India and ensure social and economic justice for all citizens. Inspired by the Spanish and Irish constitutions, they have been added to address problems such as pervasive poverty, hunger, and deep-seated socioeconomic inequalities.

Despite not being justiciable or enforceable in courts, these directives have been the instruments of instruction and key to the policy implementations by the governments of India since independence. According to Granville Austin, DPSPs have helped meet the constitutional requirements of social, economic, and political justice for all.

2. Which one of the following is not the objective of the Directive Principles of State Policy? [U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Mains) 2013, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

Correct Answer: (c) To establish a Religious State
Solution:Article 36 to 51 of the Constitution of India contain the Directive Principles of State Policy. The aim of the Constitution makers was to establish a secular and democratic state to ensure socio-economic justice.

The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution encompass several key features which are as follows:

  • Non-Justiciability- Unlike fundamental rights, which are legally enforceable, DPSPs are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by courts. However, they are considered fundamental
    in governance and serve as moral and political directives for the state.
  • Dynamic and Evolving- DPSPs are not static principles but evolve over time to address emerging socio-economic challenges and the changing needs of society. They allow for adaptation and innovation in governance strategies to meet evolving circumstances.
  • Welfare State- The DPSPs are aimed at promoting the welfare of the people and the establishment of a just society. They emphasize principles of justice, equality, and fraternity in the governance of the country.
  • Socio-Economic Objectives- DPSPs aim to establish certain social and economic goals that the State should strive to achieve. These objectives include promoting social justice, economic welfare, and the overall development of the nation.
  • Balance between Rights and Duties- While fundamental rights focus on protecting individual liberties, DPSP emphasizes the importance of balancing rights with corresponding duties. They emphasize the collective welfare of society over individual interests.
  • Integral to the Constitutional Scheme- DPSP are an integral part of the indian Constitution. They reflect the socio-economic ideals and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution and are considered essential for the establishment of a just and equitable society.
  • Good Governance-They encourage the promotion of good governance practices, including transparency, accountability, and the efficient functioning of public institutions.
  • Cultural and Educational Values- These principles emphasize the promotion of cultural and educational institutions to preserve and enrich the country's diverse cultural heritage and foster a spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation.
  • International Obligations- DPSP may also guide the state in fulfilling its international obligations and commitments. They reflect principles of international law and conventions that India has ratified, reinforcing the country's commitment to global standards of human rights and development.

3. How are the Directive Principles of State Policy different from Fundamental Rights? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2009]

Correct Answer: (c) Directive Principles are not enforceable whereas Fundamental Right can be enforced.
Solution:The Directive Principles of State Policy are different from Fundamental Rights as Directive Principles are non- justiciable, so they cannot be enforced in any court of law, but Fundamental Rights are enforceable.
Fundamental RightsDirective Principles
1. These are negative as they prohibit the State from doing certain things.1. These are positive as they require the State to do certain things.
2. These are justiciable in nature.2. These are non-justiciable in nature.
3. They aim to establish political democracy in the country.3. They aim to establish social and economic democracy in the country.
4. These have legal sanctions.4. These have moral and political sanctions.
5. They promote the welfare of the individual. Hence they are personal and individualistic.5. They promote the welfare of the community. Hence, they are societarian and socialistic.
6. They are automatically enforced means they do not require any legislation for their implementation.6. They are not automatically enforced means they require legislation for their implementation.
7. The courts can declare a law unconstitutional and invalid if it violates any of the Fundamental Rights.7. The courts cannot declare a law unconstitutional and invalid if it violates any of the Directive Principles. However, they can uphold the validity of a law on the ground that it was enacted to give effect to a directive

4. The "Directive Principles' are............ [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (b) Non-justifiable
Solution:The fundamental right are justifiable whereas the Directive Principles of State Policy are not justifiable.

The framers of the Constitution made the nature of Directive Principles of the State Policy non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable because of the following reasons:

  • Insufficient Financial Resources-The nation lacked adequate financial resources to fully implement these principles at the time of the drafting of the Constitution.
  • Diversity and Backwardness- The presence of immense diversity and socio-economic backwardness across the country posed significant challenges to their effective implementation.
  • Burdensome Responsibilities of the Newly Independent State- The newly established independent Indian State had numerous pressing priorities, and enforcing these principles could potentially overwhelm its capacities.

5. Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principle of State Policy constitute limitations upon- [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]

1. legislative function.

2. executive function.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:The Directive Principles of state policy are certain directions to the Legislative, and the Executive intended to show in what manner the state should exercise their legislative and executive power. The Directive Principles are in nature an instrument of instruction to the Government to do certain things and to achieve certain ends by their actions.

The Directives are not enforceable in the Court and do not create any justiciable rights in favour of the individual. Thus the Directive Principles of State policy do not constitute limitation upon legislative or executive function of the Government.

6. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

1. They shall be enforceable by Courts.

2. They shall not be enforceable by any Court.

3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of law by the State.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only
Solution:Article 37 of the Indian Constitution says that the Provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid 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.

So, the directive principles are non-Justiciable. Hence, statement 1 is wrong, while statement 2 and 3 are correct.

7. Which Article of the Indian constitution says that Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (d) Article 37
Solution:Article 37 of the Indian Constitution says that the Provisions contained in part IV of the Constitution shall not be enforceable by any court. The framers of the Constitution made the nature of Directive Principles of the State Policy non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable because of the following reasons:
  • Insufficient Financial Resources-The nation lacked adequate financial resources to fully implement these principles at the time of the drafting of the Constitution.
  • Diversity and Backwardness- The presence of immense diversity and socio-economic backwardness across the country posed significant challenges to their effective implementation.
  • Burdensome Responsibilities of the Newly Independent State- The newly established independent Indian State had numerous pressing priorities, and enforcing these principles could potentially overwhelm its capacities.

8. Consider the following statements with respect to Directive Principles of State Policy: [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2023]

1. They are not enforceable by the Courts.

2. It shall be the duty of the State to apply these Principles in making laws.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (b) Both 1 and 2
Solution:The Indian Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy, which, though not justiciable, are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

The framers of the Constitution made the nature of Directive Principles of the State Policy non-justiciable and legally non-enforceable because of the following reasons:

  • Insufficient Financial Resources-The nation lacked adequate financial resources to fully implement these principles at the time of the drafting of the Constitution.
  • Diversity and Backwardness- The presence of immense diversity and socio-economic backwardness across the country posed significant challenges to their effective implementation.
  • Burdensome Responsibilities of the Newly Independent State- The newly established independent Indian State had numerous pressing priorities, and enforcing these principles could potentially overwhelm its capacities.

9. Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]

1. These principles spell out the social economic democracy in the country.

2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:The Directive Principles of State Policy are directives to the Government to implement them for establishing social and economic democracy in the country. The provisions contained in these principles are not enforceable by any court. These principles have been stated as "Fundamental in the governance of the country."

Significance of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)

  • The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in Indian Constitution are fundamental guidelines for the government to promote social welfare, economic justice, and equity, aiming to create a just society.
  • While not legally enforceable, they play a crucial role in shaping laws and policies that align with ideals like social and economic democracy, promoting fair wages, environmental protection, and accessible education..
  • The DPSPs bridge the gap between individual rights and social obligations, providing a vision for governance that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens and works towards reducing inequality across various sections of society.

10. The concept of welfare state is included in the Constitution of India in the: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002 41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]

Correct Answer: (a) Directive Principles of State Policy
Solution:The concept of a welfare State is included in the Constitution of India in part IV, i.e. Directive Principles of State Policy, as described in Article 36 to Article 51 of the Constitution.

The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution encompass several key features which are as follows:

  • Non-Justiciability- Unlike fundamental rights, which are legally enforceable, DPSPs are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by courts. However, they are considered fundamental
    in governance and serve as moral and political directives for the state.
  • Dynamic and Evolving- DPSPs are not static principles but evolve over time to address emerging socio-economic challenges and the changing needs of society. They allow for adaptation and innovation in governance strategies to meet evolving circumstances.
  • Welfare State- The DPSPs are aimed at promoting the welfare of the people and the establishment of a just society. They emphasize principles of justice, equality, and fraternity in the governance of the country.
  • Socio-Economic Objectives- DPSPs aim to establish certain social and economic goals that the State should strive to achieve. These objectives include promoting social justice, economic welfare, and the overall development of the nation.
  • Balance between Rights and Duties- While fundamental rights focus on protecting individual liberties, DPSP emphasizes the importance of balancing rights with corresponding duties. They emphasize the collective welfare of society over individual interests.
  • Integral to the Constitutional Scheme- DPSP are an integral part of the indian Constitution. They reflect the socio-economic ideals and aspirations of the framers of the Constitution and are considered essential for the establishment of a just and equitable society.
  • Good Governance-They encourage the promotion of good governance practices, including transparency, accountability, and the efficient functioning of public institutions.
  • Cultural and Educational Values- These principles emphasize the promotion of cultural and educational institutions to preserve and enrich the country's diverse cultural heritage and foster a spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation.
  • International Obligations- DPSP may also guide the state in fulfilling its international obligations and commitments. They reflect principles of international law and conventions that India has ratified, reinforcing the country's commitment to global standards of human rights and development.