The purpose of the Constitution of India is not only to establish political democracy but also to establish a welfare state for social economic justice to the people. With this objective in mind, our Constitution sets out desirable principles and guidelines in Part IV.
These provisions are known as Directive Principles of State Policy. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aims to ensure socio-economic justice to the people and establish India as a welfare state.
The Directive Principles of State Policy are in the form of instructions/guidelines for the Central and State Governments. Though these principles are non-judicial, they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
The idea of the Directive Principles of State Policy is taken from the Republic of Ireland. They were included in our constitution to provide economic justice and avoid concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
Fundamental Rights | Directive Principles of State Policies |
(i) Part 3 of the Constitution of India contains the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of India. Articles 12-35 of the Constitution of India deal with fundamental rights. | The Directive Principles are written in Part IV of the Constitution of India. They are given in Articles 36-51 of the Constitution of India. |
(ii) The basic rights given to the Indian citizens by the Constitution of India are called Fundamental Rights. | The Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution are the guidelines to be followed by the government while formulating policies. |
(iii) Political democracy has been established in India with the help of the fundamental rights given in the Constitution of India. | Economic and social democracy is established with the help of Directive Principles of State Policy. |
(iv) The welfare of every citizen is promoted through fundamental rights | The welfare of the whole community is achieved with the help of Directive Principles. |
(v) According to law, violation of fundamental rights is punishable. | Violation of Directive Principles is not a punishable offense unlike violation of Fundamental Rights. |
(vi) Fundamental rights are justiciable as they can be legally enforced by the courts when violated. | Directive Principles are not justiciable as they cannot be enforced by the courts when violated. |
