UPSC Prelims 2002 Q44: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
The purpose of the inclusion of Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution
is to establish:
- (a) political democracy
- (b) social democracy
- (c) Gandhian democracy
- (d) social and economic democracy
Answer: (d) social and economic democracy
Explanation
Purpose of including Directive Principles of State Policy
| Type of democracy | Link to the Directive Principles |
|---|---|
| Social and economic democracy | Yes — Part IV directs the State to secure social and economic justice (Article 38) |
| Political democracy | Secured through Part III and the electoral provisions |
| Social democracy | Only one element, without the economic side |
| Gandhian democracy | Some Gandhian principles are in Part IV, but that is not the purpose |
While the Fundamental Rights guarantee political democracy, the Directive Principles aim to establish a social and economic democracy by ensuring economic justice, a welfare state and an end to inequality (Articles 36-51).
Answer: (d) social and economic democracy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Political democracy is mainly secured through Fundamental Rights and elections.
- (b) Incorrect. Social democracy alone leaves out the economic side of the Directive Principles.
- (c) Incorrect. Gandhian principles are only a part of Part IV.
- (d) CORRECT. Directive Principles aim at a social and economic democracy.
Key point
Directive Principles: Part IV, Articles 36-51, borrowed from Ireland; non-justiciable; goal is a welfare state.
Remember
DPSP aim at social and economic democracy.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Gandhian democracy because Article 40 and 43 are Gandhian.
- Picking political democracy, the aim of Part III.
- Selecting social democracy alone and leaving out the economic side.
Exam tip
Fundamental Rights = political democracy; Directive Principles = social and economic democracy.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Part IV
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity