Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy
Contains non-justiciable principles that are fundamental to governance. They direct the State to apply these principles in making laws and policies to establish a just society and promote the welfare of the people. They aim to create social and economic democracy.
Definition of "the State"
For the purposes of Part IV, unless the context otherwise requires, "the State" has the same meaning as in Part III (Fundamental Rights). This ensures that the principles apply to all government authorities, legislatures, and public institutions.
Application of the principles contained in this Part
Declares that the Directive Principles are not enforceable by any court. However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. They act as a moral compass for governance.
General Principles (38-40)
State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people
Directs the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on social, economic, and political justice. It includes minimizing inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.
Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State
Enumerates specific policy goals: equal right to livelihood, fair distribution of resources, prevention of concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, protection of workers, and protection of children from exploitation.
Organisation of village panchayats
Directs the State to take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. This led to the 73rd Amendment establishing Panchayati Raj.
Economic & Social Welfare Principles (41-43A)
Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases
Directs the State to make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, within the limits of its economic capacity.
Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief
Directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief. This has led to legislation on factory conditions, minimum wages, and maternity benefits.
Living wage, etc., for workers
Directs the State to endeavor to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organization, a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life, and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities for all workers.
Participation of workers in management of industries
[Added by 42nd Amendment, 1976] Directs the State to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments, or other organizations engaged in any industry. This promotes industrial democracy.
Health, Environment & Other Principles (44-51)
Uniform civil code for the citizens
Directs the State to endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. This aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years
[Originally for free and compulsory education for children until 14 years, amended by 86th Amendment, 2002] Now directs the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete six years of age.
Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections
Directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living
Directs the State to regard the raising of the level of nutrition, standard of living, and improvement of public health as among its primary duties. It also directs prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs harmful to health.
Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
Directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, and in particular, to take steps for preserving and improving breeds, and prohibiting slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.
Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife
[Added by 42nd Amendment, 1976] Directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. This reflects growing environmental awareness and the need for sustainable development.
Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance
Directs the State to protect every monument, place, or object of artistic, historic, or archaeological interest declared to be of national importance from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal, or export.
Separation of judiciary from executive
Directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This aims to ensure judicial independence by preventing the same authority from performing both judicial and administrative functions.
Promotion of international peace and security
Directs the State to promote international peace and security; maintain just and honorable relations between nations; foster respect for international law and treaty obligations; and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
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