In this article you will learn about the Implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy.
Implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy
The following is the account of the policies that have been adopted by the State for implementing the Directive Principles of State Policy :
1. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms : To remove extreme concentration of land ownership in the rural areas, the Zamindari Abolition Acts have been affected. The Zamindari Abolition Acts and similar other such measures have been given added protection by incorporating these in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution and by providing them protection against judicial review.
2. Revamping of Rural and Urban Local Government Institutions : In accordance with the directive to organise panchayats and other local government institutions, the State has organised a three tier Panchayati Raj System in the rural areas. The Panchayati Raj institutions have been given adequate powers and authority. In urban areas institutions like municipal councils, improvement trusts, town planners, cantonment boards etc. have been established. By 73rd Amendment Act, the Panchayati Raj and by 74th Amendment Act Municipal institutions have been revamped. These have been given fixed tenures, assured elections and more financial and non-financial powers.
3. Special Protection of the Interests of the Weaker Sections of Society : Acting under the directive to protect the interests of the weaker sections of society, the State has taken steps to provide educational institutions for the persons belonging to weaker sections of society. Reservation of seats in educational institutions for the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes(OBC) have been affected. State has also been providing financial assistance to these sections of society. Now the State has decided to give the benefit of reservation to the economically backward classes(EBCs). Special commissions for monitoring the welfare of SCs, STs, OBCs, women and minorities have been created.
4. Special attempts aimed at Protection of Women and Children : The State has enacted several laws for protecting the rights and interests of women and for preventing them from exploitation. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961. In 1956, the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act (SITA) was passed. The Criminal Law Amendment Act 1983 provided for punishment of rape with minimum of 7 years imprisonment. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 has prohibited the denigration of women in photographs, advertisements and films. The provision of equal wages for equal work for both men and women have been given a legal foundation. The State has made the employment of children labour a crime under the Industrial Act.
Some other policies are :
- Labour Welfare Legislation
- Encouragement to Small Scale and Cottage Industries
- Development of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
- Free and Compulsory Education
- Steps towards the Raising if Living Standards
- Abolition of Bonded Labour
- Introduction of Prohibition
- Nationalisation
- Planning
- Legal Reforms
- Panchsheel and Non-alignment
- Free and Compulsory Education for Children
- Adult education, women education and promotion of equality between men and women
Besides these, the State has enacted laws for protecting historical monuments and other objects of historical significance. Laws have been enacted for pollution control and protection of the environment. Several other social welfare measures have been initiated. Several commissions have been constituted for continuously monitoring the progress of laws and policies made by the State for protecting the weaker sections of society. Thus the State has shown a definite commitment towards the implementation of the Directive Principles.
This article on Implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.