UPSC Prelims 2008 Q101: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking which provisions belong to the Directive Principles of State Policy
These two welfare-related provisions sit in different parts of the Constitution — one is a Fundamental Right, the other a Directive Principle.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour | Incorrect | This is actually a Fundamental Right, under Article 23, NOT a Directive Principle |
| 2. Prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks/drugs except for medicinal purposes | Correct | This IS a genuine Directive Principle, under Article 47, directing the State to work toward prohibition |
Correcting the first claim:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prohibition of human trafficking/forced labour | Fundamental Right (Article 23), NOT a DPSP |
| Prohibition of intoxicants (except medicinal use) | Directive Principle (Article 47) |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Provision 1 is actually a Fundamental Right (Article 23), not a Directive Principle, so '1 only' is wrong.
- (b) CORRECT. The prohibition of intoxicants provision (Article 47) is genuinely a Directive Principle.
- (c) Incorrect. Provision 1 is not a Directive Principle, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Provision 2 is a genuine Directive Principle, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Prohibition of human trafficking/forced labour is a FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT (Article 23), NOT a Directive Principle — but prohibition of intoxicating drinks/drugs (except medicinal use) genuinely IS a Directive Principle (Article 47).
Remember
DPSP includes prohibition of intoxicating drinks/drugs (Art. 47) — but prohibition of human trafficking/forced labour is a Fundamental Right (Art. 23), not a DPSP.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a Fundamental Right (Article 23) with a Directive Principle, since both deal with social welfare themes.
- Not knowing the specific Article 47 basis for the intoxicants-prohibition Directive Principle.
- Assuming both listed welfare provisions must belong to the same part of the Constitution.
Exam tip
Prohibition of trafficking/forced labour = Fundamental Right (Art. 23). Prohibition of intoxicants = Directive Principle (Art. 47). Don't lump these two together.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 23 (prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour) and Part IV (Directive Principles)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Directive Principles of State Policy)