DPSP & Duties
Indian Polity · नीति निदेशक और कर्तव्य
📋Quick Overview
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are in Part IV (Articles 36-51). They are borrowed from the Irish Constitution and are NOT justiciable — you cannot go to court to enforce them. They are guidelines for the government to create laws for people's welfare. Fundamental Duties are in Part IVA (Article 51A), added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. Originally 10 duties, now 11 (11th added by 86th Amendment, 2002).
📖DPSP — Three Categories
| Category | Articles | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Socialist Principles | 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A | 38: Social order for welfare, 39: Equal pay for equal work, 39A: Free legal aid, 41: Right to work, 42: Maternity relief, 43: Living wages, 43A: Workers' participation in management |
| Gandhian Principles | 40, 43, 46, 47, 48 | 40: Panchayati Raj, 43: Cottage industries, 46: SC/ST/weaker sections promotion, 47: Nutrition & public health, prohibition of intoxicating drinks, 48: Ban cow slaughter |
| Liberal-Intellectual | 44, 45, 48A, 49, 50, 51 | 44: Uniform Civil Code, 45: Early childhood care (below 6 yrs), 48A: Environment & forests, 49: Protect monuments, 50: Separate judiciary from executive, 51: International peace |
📖11 Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
| No. | Duty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Abide by the Constitution, respect National Flag & National Anthem |
| 2 | Cherish the noble ideals of freedom struggle |
| 3 | Protect sovereignty, unity & integrity of India |
| 4 | Defend the country and render national service when called |
| 5 | Promote harmony beyond religion, language, region, caste |
| 6 | Preserve rich heritage of composite culture |
| 7 | Protect natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife) |
| 8 | Develop scientific temper, humanism, spirit of inquiry |
| 9 | Safeguard public property, abjure violence |
| 10 | Strive for excellence in individual and collective activity |
| 11 | Parent/guardian to provide education to child (6-14 years) — added by 86th Amendment, 2002 |
📖FR vs DPSP — Landmark Cases
📝Key Facts — Exam Traps
- •DPSP are NOT justiciable but are 'fundamental in governance'
- •Fundamental Duties are also NOT justiciable — no penalty for violation
- •Duties apply ONLY to citizens, not foreigners
- •Swaran Singh Committee recommended Fundamental Duties
- •Article 39A (Free Legal Aid) was added by 42nd Amendment
- •Uniform Civil Code (Art 44) is DPSP — not yet implemented nationwide