Directive Principles of State Policy

       As the name suggests, Directive Principles of State Policy are directions to the State. Similar concept exists in the Constitution of Ireland where these are known are “Directive Principles of Social Policy”. Directive Principles of State Policy, as provided in Part IV of our Constitution, set certain goals, the achievement of which would help the citizens in living a good life. Although these are not enforceable by a Court of law but it is expected that the Government will formulate its policies so as to achieve these goals.  A gist of these principles is as under:

1. State to strive for providing justice, social, economic and political, and to strive to eliminate or minimise the inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities, not only among individuals but also among groups of people.
2. The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing-Adequate means of livelihood to citizens;Distribution of  the material resources of the community so as to best subserve the common good;Operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production;Equal pay for equal work for both men and women;Citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength;Opportunities and facilities to children to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity protection of childhood and youth against exploitation.
3. Promoting justice, on a basis of equal opportunity and providing free legal aid, in case of need.
4. Organising and empowering village panchayats.
5. Subject to economic capacity of the state, to make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
6. Providing for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
7. Subscribing a living wage to and conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and to promote cottage industries on individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
8. Taking steps for securing the participation of workers in the management of industries.
9. Uniform civil code for the citizens.
10. Providing early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
11. Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.
12. To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health and to prevent the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs except for medicinal purposes.
13. Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines; preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows, milch and draught cattle.
14. Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life.
15. Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.
16. Separation of judiciary from executive.
17. Promotion of international peace and security; maintaining just and honourable relations between nations; foster respect for international law and treaty obligations and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.