UPSC Prelims 2012 Q6: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined
in the Constitution of India :
1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code
2. Organizing village Panchayats
3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas
4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities
Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of
State Policy?
- (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Gandhian principles among the Directive Principles
| Provision | Article | Gandhian? | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uniform civil code | 44 | No | Liberal-intellectual |
| 2. Organizing village Panchayats | 40 | Yes | Gandhian |
| 3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas | 43 | Yes | Gandhian |
| 4. Reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities for workers | 43 | No | Socialist |
All the Gandhian principles:
| Article | Principle |
|---|---|
| 40 | Village Panchayats |
| 43 | Cottage industries |
| 43B | Cooperative societies |
| 46 | Interests of SCs, STs and weaker sections |
| 47 | Prohibition of intoxicating drinks |
| 48 | Ban on cow slaughter; better cattle breeds |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The uniform civil code and workers' leisure are not Gandhian.
- (b) CORRECT. Village Panchayats and cottage industries are Gandhian principles.
- (c) Incorrect. The uniform civil code is a liberal principle, and leisure is socialist.
- (d) Incorrect. Provisions 1 and 4 are not Gandhian.
Key point
Gandhian DPSPs: Articles 40 (Panchayats), 43 (cottage industries), 43B, 46, 47 (prohibition), 48 (cow slaughter). Article 44 (uniform civil code) is liberal.
Remember
Gandhian: Panchayats and cottage industries.
Common mistakes
- Placing the uniform civil code among Gandhian ideas.
- Forgetting that Article 43 has two parts: living wage (socialist) and cottage industries (Gandhian).
- Leaving out prohibition and cow protection.
Exam tip
Gandhian = village, khadi, prohibition, cow, weaker sections.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 40, 43, 44, 46, 47 and 48
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy