UPSC Prelims 2020 Q8: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Constitutional Reflections in India
| Constitutional Part | UDHR Principles? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Preamble | YES | 'Sovereign Democratic Republic' + 'Justice, Equality, Liberty' echo UDHR's universal ideals |
| Part II - DPSP | YES | Articles 38-39 on welfare, livelihood, equality of status mirror UDHR economic/social rights |
| Part III - FRs | Yes (covered already in q503) | Equality, Freedom, Constitutional Remedies echo UDHR |
| Part IV - Fundamental Duties | YES | Article 51A(c) directs respect for Constitution, which embodies UDHR principles |
UDHR principles are reflected in Preamble (aspirational values), DPSPs (welfare state directives), and Fundamental Duties (promoting UDHR ideals). The Constitution goes BEYOND UDHR by making many principles enforceable as FR.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 - all three parts reflect UDHR principles.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. DPSP also reflects UDHR (welfare, social rights).
- (b) Incorrect. Preamble and Fundamental Duties also embody UDHR principles.
- (c) Incorrect. Preamble and DPSPs both reflect UDHR.
- (d) CORRECT. Preamble (values), DPSP (welfare + economic rights), Fundamental Duties (promotion of UDHR ideals) all reflect UDHR 1948 principles.
Key point
UDHR 1948 reflected in: (1) Preamble - universal values of justice, equality, liberty; (2) DPSP - welfare, livelihood, equality (Articles 38-39); (3) Fundamental Duties - respect for Constitution and UDHR principles (Article 51A). Answer: all three.
Remember
Besides Fundamental Rights, the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) are reflected in three parts: Preamble (universal values), Directive Principles of State Policy (welfare and social rights), and Fundamental Duties (promotion of UDHR ideals). Answer: 1, 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only FRs reflect UDHR. DPSPs and Preamble also embody UDHR principles, though non-enforceable.
- Confusing Fundamental Duties (Part IV) with FRs (Part III). Duties are about civic responsibility, FRs about individual rights.
- Missing that Constituent Assembly (1950) explicitly drew from UDHR (adopted Dec 1948) in drafting the Constitution.
Exam tip
UDHR 1948 vs Indian Constitution 1950: UDHR is aspirational; Indian Constitution makes many UDHR principles enforceable through FRs. UDHR articles on non-discrimination, equality, dignity, freedom appear as Article 14-18 (Equality), 19 (Freedom), 21 (Life and Liberty).
Sources
- Constitution of India - Preamble, Articles 38-39 (DPSP), Articles 51A (Fundamental Duties)
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948