Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles are contained in Part IV of the Constitution. They aim at providing the social and economic base of a genuine democracy.

Important Directive Principles

Broadly speaking, there are three types of Directive principles aimed at providing social and economic justice and ushering in a welfare state.

1.       Socio-Economic Principles: They require the State:

(a)    To provide adequate means of velihood to all citizens ; (b) to prevent concentration of wealth and means of production and ensure equitable distribution of wealth and material resources; (c)  to secure equal pay for equal work  of men as well as women; (d) to ensure a decent standard of living and leisure for all workers; (e) to provide necessary opportunities and facilities to children and youth to prevent their exploitation; and (f) to make efforts to secure the right to work, education and public assistance in case of unemployment, sickness, old age etc.

2.       Gandhian principles: These are the embodiment of the gandhian programme for reconstruction. These include:

(a)    The establishment of village panchayats to function as units of self government, (b) the promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections of society; (c) the promotion of cottage industries; (d) the prohibition of intoxicating drugs and drinks; and (e) prevention of the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch cattle etc.

3.       Liberal Principles : The principles are based on liberal thinking ands emphasize the need for;

(A)   A uniform civil code for the country; (b) free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years; (c) separation of the judiciary and executive; (d) organization of agriculture and animal husbandry along scientific lines; (e) securing the participation of workers in the management of industries; (f) safeguarding the forests and wildlife of the country; and (g) protecting monuments and places of artistic or historical importance.

The real significance of the directive principles lies in the fact that they intend to provide social and economic democracy in the country without which political democracy is a farce.