Chapter 2 - Constitution of India

Question- Write a short note on 'Directive Principle of State policy.'

Ans. 

The name Directive Principles of State Policy, shows that these are actually directions given by the Constitution of the state to adopt policies, which would help to establish a just society in India. The aim of these instructions is to create proper economic and social conditions in which citizens of India can lead a good life. The idea of democracy need not be only a political idea. It can also be extended to the social and economic life of the people. Some of the principles are in the form of social and economic rights, for example, the right to work, the right to free and compulsory education of children up to the age of 14, right to equal wages for equal work; or the right to an adequate livelihood. These rights are not fully enjoyed by all Indian citizens today. Unlike fundamental rights the rights mentioned in this part are not justiciable. The Constitution, however, tells the state, i.e., whoever runs the government that it must not forget these long term aims, and it should try to achieve them in reality. If the government makes a law to enforce any of these principle it cannot be questioned in a court of law on the grounds that it violates any of the guaranteed fundamental rights. Indian Constitution mentions that the state should strive to give the right of work, right to education, right to assistance from the government in case a citizen is unemployed, sick, retired, or disabled.

All the Directive Principles, however, are not concerning social and political rights. Some of them are instructions to government in other matters. For instance, the constitution says that state should try to prevent concentration of wealth, it should ensure that workers in factories can have a share in decision-making, It instructs the state to promote and look after the interests of scheduled castes and tribes.

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