Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Articles 36 to 51 Explained with Types, Importance & FAQs

 

🧭 Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Simplified

🌟 What is DPSP?

1. DPSP stands for Directive Principles of State Policy – sounds complicated, but it simply means “important guidelines” for the government to run the country in a good way.

2. These are written in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of our Constitution.

3. The main goal of DPSP is to make India a Welfare State – where people get justice, equality, and a good life, not just money and jobs.

4. DPSPs are not enforceable in court – means, if government doesn't follow them, you can't go to court. But still, they are very important to guide the government.

5. They are inspired by the Irish and Spanish Constitutions.

6. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called them a “novel feature” – something new and big idea for India's future.

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📚 DPSP Articles & What They Say

Let’s break down the main articles with examples:

1. Article 36 – Meaning of State

• Same meaning as given in Article 12 (includes govt., parliament, courts, etc.)

2. Article 37 – Importance of DPSPs

• They are not enforceable, but still the government must try to follow them in making laws.

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🎯 Types of DPSP (for understanding easily)

We divide DPSPs in 3 types, just to understand better:

🛠️ I. Socialist Principles

These focus on helping people get equality and justice.

1. Article 38 – Reduce poverty, inequality and give justice to all.

2. Article 39 – Give everyone a fair chance at livelihood, prevent rich becoming richer unfairly, equal pay for men & women.

3. Article 39A – Free legal help to poor people.

4. Article 41 – Right to work, education, and help during old age, sickness.

5. Article 42 – Good working conditions, and maternity leave.

6. Article 43 – Decent wages and good life for workers.

7. Article 43A – Workers should help in managing industries.

8. Article 46 – Help SCs, STs and weaker people in education & economy.

9. Article 47 – Improve nutrition, public health, and stop harmful drinks & drugs.

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🧑‍🌾 II. Gandhian Principles

These are based on Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas of village life and self-rule.

1. Article 40 – Make strong village panchayats.

2. Article 43 – Support small cottage industries in rural areas.

3. Article 43B – Promote cooperative societies (added in 2011).

4. Article 46 – Support backward castes and tribes.

5. Article 47 – Ban drugs and alcohol for public health.

6. Article 48 – Ban cow slaughter and improve animal breeds.

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📖 III. Liberal-Intellectual Principles

These are modern and help improve society’s thinking and progress.

1. Article 39 – Equal pay for men and women.

2. Article 44 – One common law for all (Uniform Civil Code).

3. Article 45 – Free education for children up to 14 years.

4. Article 48 – Modern methods in farming and animal care.

5. Article 48A – Save environment, forests and animals.

6. Article 49 – Protect our historical buildings and places.

7. Article 50 – Judges should work independent from politicians.

8. Article 51 – Promote peace with other countries and respect world laws.

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🛑 Directives Outside DPSPs

Some similar instructions are found in other parts of Constitution too:

1. Article 335 – SC/ST should be given chances in jobs, but keep quality too.

2. Article 350A – Teach kids of minority groups in their mother tongue.

3. Article 351 – Promote Hindi language across India.

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⚔️ Conflict Between DPSP and Fundamental Rights (FR)

Sometimes, following DPSPs may clash with our Fundamental Rights (like freedom, equality, etc.)

1. In Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951) – SC said FRs are more important than DPSP.

2. Golaknath Case (1967) – Parliament can't change FR to follow DPSP.

3. 24th and 25th Amendment Acts – Allowed FR changes to follow DPSP.

4. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) – SC said Parliament can amend FR but not destroy Constitution’s basic structure.

5. 42nd Amendment (1976) – Gave more power to DPSP over FRs (but later changed).

6. Minerva Mills Case (1980) – Balanced view: FRs and DPSP both are important and need to be followed together.

👉 Final Position: FRs are supreme, but DPSP can be followed if they don’t destroy Constitution's main values.

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🌟 Why DPSPs Are Important

1. Moral Power – Even if not enforceable, they guide the govt to do good things.

2. Show Constitution’s Dream – Together with FR, they show what India wants to become.

3. Ensure Social Justice – Focus not just on freedom, but equality and good life.

4. Welfare State Vision – No more British-style control; now it’s for the people.

5. Support for Poor & Backward – Gives special attention to weaker sections.

6. Used in Politics – Many govt. schemes are based on DPSP (like free food, jobs, health, etc.).

7. Long-term Goals – They may take time, but they are like a roadmap for a better India.

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❌ Limitations of DPSP

1. No Legal Power – You can’t go to court if govt. ignores DPSP.

2. Not Arranged Properly – Seems mixed up, lacks a clear order.

3. Outdated? – Some say it was useful in 1950s, but may not fit today.

4. Conflict with FR – Sometimes, they create legal problems when laws clash with people’s rights.

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🧾 FAQs – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

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❓Q1: What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?

👉 DPSPs are important instructions written in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of the Constitution that tell the government how to run the country in a good and fair way for everyone.
They are like goals, not strict rules.

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❓Q2: Are DPSPs legally enforceable in court?

👉 No, you cannot go to court if DPSPs are not followed.
But the government is expected to follow them while making laws and policies.

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❓Q3: Why are DPSPs important if they are not enforceable?

👉 Because they show the vision of the Constitution – like justice, equality, and welfare of the people.
They help in creating laws for poor, women, workers, children, and more.

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❓Q4: How many types of DPSPs are there?

👉 DPSPs are divided into three types:

1. Socialist – For social and economic justice

2. Gandhian – Based on Gandhiji’s ideas

3. Liberal-Intellectual – Modern and progressive ideas like environment, education, etc.

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❓Q5: Which Article explains that DPSPs are non-enforceable?

👉 Article 37 clearly says that DPSPs are not enforceable by any court, but they are important for governance.