1. Directive Principles of State Policy
JYOTI
Assistant Professor
Department of Political Science
PGGC-11
Chandigarh

2. The Directive Principles of State Policy have been described in the Part IV, from Article 36 to 51, of the Constitution. This description is not based on any reasonable plan. The four classes are as follows:
Socialist Principles
Liberal Principles
Gandhian principles
International principles

3. Criticism These principles are not backed by legal sanction
They are unnatural
These principles are mere percepts
They are not permanent
Some principles are not practicable
They are foreign in nature
They are not properly classified
These principles are vague and repetitive
They are mere promises
They are more a political philosophy than a practical politics
These principles can lead to constitutional conflicts

4. Importance
These principles are fundamental in the governance of the country
These principles aim at the establishment of welfare State in the country
They supplement the fundamental rights
They are guidelines to governments
They establish high ideals
They are beacon light for courts
They are the test of work
These principles are backed by public opinion
They maintain continuity in the policies of the government
These principles have an educative value

5. Sanctions behind Directive Principles of State Policy
Constitutional sanction
Legislative sanction
Executive sanction
Judicial sanction
Sanction of Public Opinion

6. Implementation of Directive Principles
Abolition of Zamindari system and Land Reforms
Five Year Plans
Democratic Socialism
Welfare of Weaker Sections of Society
Free and Compulsory Education
Labour Welfare
Equal rights for Women

7. Reorganization of Panchayats
Improvement of agriculture and animal husbandary
Encouragment to village and cottage industries
Separation of judiciary from the executive
Prohibition
Protection of historical monuments
Uniform civil code
Promotion of world peace

8. Distinction between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles are positive instructions, Fundamental Rights are prohibitive Directions
Fundamental Rights are justiciable, Directive Principles are not Justiciable
Directive Principles have wider political importance
The aim of the fundamental rights is political democracy but that of Directive Principles is economic democracy

9. Fundamental Rights have already been attained but Directive Principles are yet to be enforced
Fundamental Rights are backed legal force but Directive Principles by public opinion
Fundamental Rights are more definite and clear