In this article you will learn about the Features of Directive Principles of State Policy.
Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a set of guidelines and principles outlined in Part IV of the Constitution of India. This part lists a set of principles which are to guide the future policies of the State. These principles are not legally enforceable but serve as a moral and political compass for the government. Further it is designed as a supplementary part to Part III of the Constitution. It contains a list of socio-economic rights and freedoms which the State is expected to secure for the people through suitable legislative enactments.
Features of Directive Principles of State Policy
The DPSP together constitutes a manifesto for securing and strengthening the socio-economic foundations of Indian Democracy. Here are some key features of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) :
1. The Objective of Part IV i.e. DPSP : The aim of Part IV is to provide for a welfare polity characterised by social, economic and political justice. Article 38 explains the objective of Part IV and declares : “The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing, promoting and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice - social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of national life.” The state is To secure justice by securing these principles through effective legislation.
2. Social Justice : The DPSP emphasises the importance of social justice, equality, and the welfare of all citizens. It directs the state to work towards reducing inequalities of income, status, and opportunities and to promote the welfare of marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society.
3. Economic Equality : The DPSP aims to promote economic equality by advocating for the distribution of resources and wealth in a manner that is beneficial for all citizens. It encourages the state to prevent concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few and to ensure a just and equitable economic system.
4. Welfare of Weaker Sections : The DPSP highlights the need for special protection and assistance to be provided to vulnerable sections of society, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It calls for measures to eliminate social and economic inequalities faced by these communities.
5. Uniform Civil Code : The DPSP includes the directive to work towards the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens of India. The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on religion and promote a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other personal matters.
6. Education and Culture : The DPSP emphasises the importance of education and cultural preservation. It directs the state to provide free and compulsory education for children, promote adult literacy, protect and preserve the country's heritage and culture, and foster scientific temper and humanism.
7. Environmental Protection : The DPSP recognizes the significance of environmental conservation and sustainable development. It calls for the protection and improvement of the environment, conservation of natural resources, and the promotion of a balanced and eco-friendly approach to development.
8. International Peace and Cooperation : The DPSP encourages the state to promote international peace and cooperation. It emphasises the importance of maintaining friendly relations with other nations, respect for international law, and the settlement of international disputes through peaceful means.
9. Not Enforceable by Courts : Directive Principles are not enforceable. The people cannot move the court to get these enforced. Nevertheless, the Constitution calls upon the State to give these due importance and to base its policies on them.
10. DPSP as the Compass of the Constitution : Part IV is a manifesto of the aims and objectives of the Constitution. It details the objectives contained in the Preamble of the Constitution. These are the national objectives which every government is supposed to secure.
Thus, the main objective is to give a proper direction to the policies and decisions of the government.
This article on Features of Directive Principles of State Policy is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.