The Directive Principles of state Policy are very important and they go a long way in establishing a welfare state in India. They have been described as directives or guidelines for all future governments both central and states.

Directive principles are no doubt fundamental in the governance of the country. However, you must note that they differ from fundamental rights in more than one way. The fundamental rights are justiciable i.e., if these rights are violated the citizens can move the High Courts or the Supreme Court for their protection whereas the Directive Principles are not justiciable. We cannot take the help of courts if the government ignores them.

Secondly the fundamental rights are related to citizens or individuals whereas the directive principles relate to the state (as they are directives to the state).

Lastly the fundamental rights are a check on the state. The constitution framers ask the state not to do anything by which these rights are violated whereas the directive principles request the government to take such steps that these principles are implemented.

In other words, if fundamental rights are the negative aspects of the Constitution then the directive principles may be termed as the positive aspects of the Constitution. It may be emphasized that the Directive Principles of State Policy are noble ideals to be achieved, they set as goals before the government. If the government can achieve these goals people will enjoy a better life and the country will become a welfare state.