UPSC Prelims 2020 Q12: Indian Polity – Directive Principles Of State Policy
- (a) Directive Principles of State Policy
- (b) Fundamental Rights
- (c) Preamble
- (d) Seventh Schedule
Answer: (a) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation
Welfare State Ideal: Constitutional Location
| Constitutional Part | Declares Welfare State? |
|---|---|
| Directive Principles of State Policy | YES - the locus of welfare directives |
| Fundamental Rights | Limited to civil/political rights |
| Preamble | Aspirational (Justice, Equality) but not 'welfare state' specific |
| Seventh Schedule | Division of legislative powers |
Part IV - Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51) explicitly declare the ideal of a Welfare State. Articles 38-39 direct the State to:
- Promote welfare of people
- Minimize inequalities
- Ensure adequate livelihood
- Prevent concentration of wealth
- Provide equal pay for equal work
DPSPs are non-justiciable (not enforceable in courts) but binding on the State for policy-making. They reflect Nehruvian socialist vision.
Answer: (a) Directive Principles of State Policy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Part IV (DPSP) declares the Welfare State ideal through Articles 38-39 and other socio-economic directives.
- (b) Incorrect. FRs (Part III) are about political/civil rights, not economic welfare directives.
- (c) Incorrect. Preamble is aspirational; DPSP are specific welfare directives.
- (d) Incorrect. Seventh Schedule is about legislative federalism, not welfare state.
Key point
Part IV - DPSP (Articles 36-51): Declares welfare state ideal. Non-justiciable but binding on State. Key articles: 38 (promote welfare), 39 (distribute resources, prevent wealth concentration), 41-42 (work, education, public assistance).
Remember
The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution) declare the ideal of a Welfare State. Articles 38-51 direct the State to pursue socio-economic objectives such as promoting welfare, reducing inequalities, ensuring livelihood, and preventing wealth concentration.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Preamble (aspirational values) with DPSP (specific directives). DPSPs are actionable; Preamble is not.
- Assuming welfare provisions are Fundamental Rights. They are DPSPs (non-enforceable in courts but guide policy).
- Missing that India's LPG (Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization) post-1991 has led to tension between DPSP welfare ideals and market-based policies.
Exam tip
Part III vs Part IV: Part III = Fundamental Rights (enforceable, immediately binding). Part IV = Directive Principles (non-enforceable, guide state policy). India's unique feature: DPSP makes it a welfare state despite being a capitalist economy.
Sources
- Constitution of India - Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy
- M. Laxmikanth - Indian Polity (Chapter on Directive Principles)