UPSC Prelims 2010 Q35: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
The “Instrument of Instructions” contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been
incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as
- (a) Fundamental Rights
- (b) Directive Principles of State Policy
- (c) Extent of executive power of State
- (d) Conduct of business of the Government of India
Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
What the "Instrument of Instructions" became in 1950
The Government of India Act, 1935 included guidance for the Governor-General's discretionary functioning, which influenced the new Constitution.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Fundamental Rights | Incorrect | Fundamental Rights derive from a different lineage (inspired by the US Bill of Rights), not the 1935 Act's Instrument of Instructions |
| (b) Directive Principles of State Policy | Correct | The Instrument of Instructions (guidance to the Governor-General on governance matters) was substantially incorporated as the Directive Principles of State Policy in the 1950 Constitution |
| (c) Extent of executive power of State | Incorrect | This is a separate constitutional provision, not derived specifically from the Instrument of Instructions |
| (d) Conduct of business of Government of India | Incorrect | This refers to procedural rules, not the substantive policy guidance of the Instrument of Instructions |
Instrument of Instructions → DPSP:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Government of India Act, 1935 |
| 1950 incorporation | Became the Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Nature | Non-justiciable governance guidance, both then and now |
Answer: (b) Directive Principles of State Policy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Fundamental Rights have a different origin, not the 1935 Act's Instrument of Instructions.
- (b) CORRECT. The Instrument of Instructions was incorporated into the Constitution as the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- (c) Incorrect. Extent of executive power is a separate constitutional matter.
- (d) Incorrect. Conduct of business rules are procedural, distinct from the Instrument of Instructions' substantive guidance.
Key point
The 'Instrument of Instructions' from the Government of India Act, 1935 was incorporated into the 1950 Constitution as the DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY.
Remember
Instrument of Instructions (GoI Act, 1935) became the Directive Principles of State Policy in the 1950 Constitution.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Instrument of Instructions' lineage with the separately-derived Fundamental Rights.
- Not knowing this specific 1935 Act → DPSP continuity fact.
- Mixing up substantive policy guidance with procedural 'conduct of business' rules.
Exam tip
1935 Act's 'Instrument of Instructions' → 1950 Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy. A specific, well-tested continuity fact.
Sources
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Directive Principles of State Policy)
- Constituent Assembly of India — Constituent Assembly Debates, Volume VII (Draft Articles 36 to 38)