UPSC Prelims 2010 Q3: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following:
1. Fundamental Rights
2. Fundamental Duties
3. Directive Principles of State Policy
Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social
Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Which constitutional provisions does the NSAP fulfil
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) provides social security to the elderly, widows, and disabled poor.
| Provision | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fundamental Rights | Incorrect | NSAP is a welfare scheme, not a direct enforcement mechanism of justiciable Fundamental Rights |
| 2. Fundamental Duties | Incorrect | NSAP has no connection to citizens' Fundamental Duties, which are about citizen obligations, not state welfare delivery |
| 3. Directive Principles of State Policy | Correct | NSAP implements the DPSP's directive (Article 41) that the State shall provide assistance to the elderly, disabled, and those in need — a classic DPSP-driven welfare measure |
NSAP and the Constitution:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Constitutional basis | Article 41 (DPSP) — state assistance to elderly/disabled/needy |
| Nature | Non-justiciable welfare directive, not a Fundamental Right |
| Launched | 1995, Ministry of Rural Development |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. NSAP is not a Fundamental Rights enforcement mechanism; Fundamental Rights are justiciable, NSAP is a welfare scheme implementing DPSP.
- (b) CORRECT. NSAP implements Article 41's Directive Principle on state assistance to the elderly, disabled, and needy.
- (c) Incorrect. Provision 1 (Fundamental Rights) is not fulfilled by NSAP, so '1 and 3' is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Provisions 1 and 2 (Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties) are not relevant to NSAP, so 'all three' is wrong.
Key point
The National Social Assistance Programme fulfils Article 41 of the DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (state assistance to the elderly, disabled, needy) — not Fundamental Rights or Fundamental Duties.
Remember
NSAP fulfils Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy — state assistance to elderly, disabled, and needy persons.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a welfare scheme (non-justiciable DPSP) with enforcement of justiciable Fundamental Rights.
- Linking social welfare programmes incorrectly to Fundamental Duties, which concern citizen obligations.
- Not knowing the specific Article 41 basis for state assistance to vulnerable groups.
Exam tip
Welfare schemes for elderly/disabled/needy = DPSP (Article 41), not Fundamental Rights or Duties.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 41 (Directive Principles of State Policy)
- Ministry of Rural Development — National Social Assistance Programme guidelines