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Part IV of the Constitution of India (Articles 36–51) lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), which are non-justiciable but fundamental to the governance of the country. They direct the State to strive for social, economic, and political justice, to promote the welfare of the people, and to guide law-making and policy towards building an egalitarian and welfare-oriented society.
Articles 36 to 51
Definition
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Application of the principles contained in this Part
State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people
Certain Principles of Policy to be Followed by the State
Equal justice and free legal aid
Organisation of village panchayats
Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases
Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief
Living wage, etc., for workers
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Participation of workers in management of industries
Promotion of co-operative societies
Uniform civil code for the citizens
Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years
Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections
Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health
Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life
Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance
Separation of judiciary from executive
Promotion of international peace and security
FAQs
Are Directive Principles legally enforceable?
No, Article 37 states that the 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 them in making laws.
What does Article 38 require the State to do?
Article 38 directs the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order informed by justice—social, economic, and political—and to minimize inequalities.
What are the key directives under Article 39?
Article 39 enumerates principles including adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of material resources, prevention of concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, and protection of workers and children.
What is Article 39A about?
Article 39A mandates equal justice and free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen.
What does Article 40 provide?
Article 40 directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with powers and authority to function as units of self-government.
What is stated in Article 44?
Article 44 provides that the State shall endeavour to secure for citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
What environmental directives are included?
Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.