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Questions On Directive Principles Of State Policy

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Questions On Directive Principles Of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are an essential part of the Indian Constitution. They provide guidelines for the government to ensure social justice, economic welfare, political democracy, and international peace. These principles, although not legally enforceable, serve as a moral obligation for the government to create a welfare state.

This topic explores important questions and answers related to the Directive Principles of State Policy, helping students and aspirants understand this topic in detail.

1. What Are the Directive Principles of State Policy?

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are constitutional guidelines enshrined in Part IV (topics 36-51) of the Indian Constitution. These principles direct the government to work towards creating a just and equitable society.

Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are not enforceable by the courts but are fundamental to governance.

2. Why Were Directive Principles Included in the Constitution?

The framers of the Indian Constitution included Directive Principles to achieve:

  • Social and economic justice
  • Equal opportunities for all citizens
  • Reduction of inequalities in income and wealth
  • Promotion of international peace

The DPSPs are inspired by the Irish Constitution and aim to establish a welfare state in India.

3. What Are the Categories of Directive Principles of State Policy?

DPSPs are broadly classified into three categories:

A. Socialistic Principles

These principles focus on social justice and equality.

  • topic 38: Promote the welfare of people by ensuring justice
  • topic 39: Secure equal distribution of wealth and protect children and workers
  • topic 41: Ensure right to work, education, and public assistance
  • topic 43: Provide living wages and better working conditions

B. Gandhian Principles

These principles reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of rural development and self-reliance.

  • topic 40: Establish Panchayati Raj
  • topic 46: Promote education and economic interests of weaker sections
  • topic 48: Improve agriculture and animal husbandry

C. Liberal-Intellectual Principles

These principles emphasize good governance and international relations.

  • topic 44: Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
  • topic 45: Provide early childhood education
  • topic 50: Separate judiciary from the executive
  • topic 51: Promote international peace and security

4. How Are Directive Principles Different from Fundamental Rights?

Feature Directive Principles (DPSP) Fundamental Rights
Nature Guidelines for governance Legal rights of individuals
Enforceability Not enforceable by courts Enforceable by courts
Objective Establish a welfare state Protect individual liberties
Source Inspired by Irish Constitution Inspired by the US Bill of Rights
Example Right to work, equal pay Right to equality, freedom of speech

While Fundamental Rights focus on individual freedoms, DPSPs focus on the welfare of society.

5. Can Directive Principles Override Fundamental Rights?

Originally, Fundamental Rights had supremacy over DPSPs. However, after various amendments and court rulings, a balance was established.

  • In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that DPSPs cannot override Fundamental Rights but can be harmonized.
  • In the Minerva Mills case (1980), the court held that both are equally important and should be interpreted together.

6. Important Questions on Directive Principles of State Policy

A. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with Directive Principles of State Policy?

    1. Part II
    2. Part III
    3. Part IV
    4. Part V
      Answer: c) Part IV

  2. Which topic directs the state to promote the welfare of people?

    1. topic 38
    2. topic 44
    3. topic 40
    4. topic 50
      Answer: a) topic 38

  3. Which principle promotes a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

    1. topic 41
    2. topic 44
    3. topic 39
    4. topic 45
      Answer: b) topic 44

  4. Which topic directs the separation of the judiciary from the executive?

    1. topic 50
    2. topic 45
    3. topic 39
    4. topic 48
      Answer: a) topic 50

  5. Which country inspired the concept of Directive Principles of State Policy?

    1. USA
    2. UK
    3. Ireland
    4. France
      Answer: c) Ireland

B. Short Answer Questions

  1. What is the purpose of DPSPs?
    DPSPs aim to establish social, economic, and political justice in India and ensure the welfare of citizens.

  2. What are the three categories of DPSPs?
    The three categories are Socialistic Principles, Gandhian Principles, and Liberal-Intellectual Principles.

  3. Why are Directive Principles not enforceable by courts?
    Since DPSPs are guidelines for governance, they act as a moral obligation rather than legal rights.

  4. What is the importance of topic 39?
    topic 39 ensures equal distribution of wealth, protection of children, and fair working conditions.

  5. How do DPSPs promote rural development?
    DPSPs promote Panchayati Raj (topic 40), rural industries (topic 43), and agricultural development (topic 48).

C. Essay-Type Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of Directive Principles in Indian governance.
  2. How do Directive Principles promote social and economic justice?
  3. Explain the role of DPSPs in creating a welfare state.
  4. Compare and contrast DPSPs with Fundamental Rights.
  5. Evaluate the impact of Directive Principles on Indian law-making.

7. Challenges in Implementing Directive Principles

Despite their importance, DPSPs face several challenges:

  • Lack of enforceability: Since DPSPs are not legally binding, governments may ignore them.
  • Financial constraints: Many principles require huge financial resources, which may not always be available.
  • Conflicts with Fundamental Rights: Some DPSPs clash with Fundamental Rights, leading to legal disputes.
  • Political will: Implementation depends on the commitment of the ruling government.

Despite these challenges, many DPSPs have been successfully implemented through laws like the Right to Education Act (2009) and Panchayati Raj Act (1992).

The Directive Principles of State Policy serve as a roadmap for governance, ensuring that India moves towards a just and equitable society. Although not legally enforceable, they have influenced policy-making and constitutional amendments. Understanding DPSPs is crucial for students, scholars, and aspirants preparing for competitive exams.

By balancing Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights, India continues to progress towards becoming a true welfare state.