Overview
After guaranteeing Fundamental Rights (enforceable by courts), the Constitution also lays out goals for the State to achieve — the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV. These represent the socio-economic vision of the Constitution. Alongside them, the Constitution also lists duties of citizens — the Fundamental Duties in Part IVA.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51)
Part IV, Articles 36–51. Borrowed from Ireland. Non-justiciable but "fundamental in governance."
Classification of DPSPs
DPSPs are broadly classified into three categories:
Socialistic Principles (Economic Justice)
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| Art. 38 | State shall secure a social order for welfare of people |
| Art. 39(a) | Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens |
| Art. 39(b) | Ownership of material resources distributed for common good |
| Art. 39(c) | Prevention of concentration of wealth |
| Art. 39(d) | Equal pay for equal work for men and women |
| Art. 39(e) | Protection of health and strength of workers |
| Art. 39A | Free legal aid for equal justice |
| Art. 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance |
| Art. 42 | Just and humane conditions of work + maternity relief |
| Art. 43 | Living wage for workers |
| Art. 43A | Worker participation in management of industries |
| Art. 47 | Raise nutrition levels; improve public health; prohibit intoxicants |
Gandhian Principles (Village-level Self-rule)
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| Art. 40 | Organise Village Panchayats |
| Art. 43 | Promote cottage industries in rural areas |
| Art. 46 | Promote educational and economic interests of SC/ST and weaker sections |
| Art. 47 | Prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks |
| Art. 48 | Organise agriculture on modern lines; prohibit slaughter of cows/calves |
Liberal-Intellectual Principles (International and Civic Goals)
| Article | Directive |
|---|---|
| Art. 44 | Uniform Civil Code throughout India |
| Art. 45 | Early childhood care and education for children below 6 years |
| Art. 48A | Protect and improve environment; safeguard forests and wildlife |
| Art. 49 | Protect monuments and places of national importance |
| Art. 50 | Separation of Judiciary from Executive in public services |
| Art. 51 | Promote international peace and security |
Key DPSPs to Remember
- Equal pay for equal work — Art. 39(d)
- Uniform Civil Code — Art. 44 (still not implemented)
- Village Panchayats — Art. 40
- Free legal aid — Art. 39A (added by 42nd Amendment)
- Separation of Judiciary from Executive — Art. 50
- Environmental protection — Art. 48A (added by 42nd Amendment)
DPSP vs Fundamental Rights — Key Conflicts
| Aspect | Fundamental Rights (Part III) | DPSP (Part IV) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Justiciable | Non-justiciable |
| Borrowed from | USA | Ireland |
| Enforced by | Courts | Cannot be enforced by courts |
| Priority | Generally prevail in conflict | State duty to implement |
Important court cases:
- State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951) — Fundamental Rights prevail over DPSP
- Golaknath case (1967) — Parliament cannot amend FRs
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973) — Parliament can amend FRs but not the Basic Structure
- Minerva Mills (1980) — Balance between FRs and DPSP must be maintained; neither can be destroyed
Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976 based on recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. Placed in Part IVA.
The 86th Amendment (2002) added an 11th duty.
The 11 Fundamental Duties
| # | Fundamental Duty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, National Flag and National Anthem |
| 2 | Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom |
| 3 | Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India |
| 4 | Defend the country and render national service when called upon |
| 5 | Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people; renounce derogatory practices |
| 6 | Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture |
| 7 | Protect and improve the natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife) |
| 8 | Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform |
| 9 | Safeguard public property and abjure violence |
| 10 | Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity |
| 11 | Parents/guardians to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6–14 years (added by 86th Amendment, 2002) |
Features of Fundamental Duties
- Non-justiciable — courts cannot enforce them directly
- Apply only to citizens (not to foreigners, unlike some FRs)
- Borrowed from the USSR (Soviet) Constitution
- Inspire patriotism and promote national integration
- Supreme Court can indirectly enforce them while interpreting laws
Important for Exam - DPSPs = Part IV, Articles 36–51; borrowed from Ireland; non-justiciable - Art. 39(d) = Equal pay for equal work - Art. 44 = Uniform Civil Code - Art. 40 = Village Panchayats - Art. 50 = Separation of Judiciary from Executive - Fundamental Duties = Article 51A, Part IVA; added by 42nd Amendment 1976 (Swaran Singh Committee) - 11 Fundamental Duties (10 original + 1 added by 86th Amendment 2002) - 11th Duty = parents to provide education for children 6–14 years
Previous Year TNPSC Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
Q1
How many Fundamental Duties are listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution?
Q2
The Swaran Singh Committee was set up to recommend:
Q3
Which DPSP article deals with Equal Pay for Equal Work for men and women?
Q4
The Uniform Civil Code is mentioned in which Article of the Constitution?
Q5
Which of the following is NOT a Directive Principle of State Policy?
Q6
DPSPs are non-justiciable. This means: