Day 6 – Q 1.What are the liberal-democratic principles enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy? Why are they important for a constitutional design? Examine.

1. What are the liberal-democratic principles enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy? Why are they important for a constitutional design? Examine.

राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांतों में उदार-लोकतांत्रिक सिद्धांत क्या हैं? वे एक संवैधानिक डिजाइन के लिए महत्वपूर्ण क्यों हैं? जांच करें।

Introduction

The Constitution of India in Part IV (articles 36-51) lays down certain provisions known as Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which though not justifiable are fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. 

Body

As the constitutional design of the Directive Principles suggests, the underlying political ideals as contained in the Directive Principles are mainly three in nature: Socialistic ideals, liberal-democratic ideals and the Gandhian ideals.

Liberal-democratic principles enshrined in DPSPs are:

• Article 44: To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country.
• Article 45: To provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
• Article 48: To organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.
• Article 48-A: To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life.
• Article 49: To protect monuments, places and objects of artistic or historic interest which are declared to be of national importance.
• Article 50: To separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
• Article 51: To promote international peace and security.

Why are they important for a constitutional design:

• To establish a socio-political system: The aim of these principles is to establish a liberal socio-political system in India and to make the state an instrument of socio-economic welfare.

• National integration: A common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing contradictions based on ideologies.
• To promote education to children:  Janani Sishu Suraksha Yojana (2005), Pade Bharat Bade Bharat, Anganwadi schools, Article 21-A, Right to Education Act 2009, etc., are some of the schemes and policies introduced by the government to promote early childhood care and education to the children.
• To modernise agriculture: Agriculture has been modernised by providing improved agriculture inputs, seeds, fertilisers and irrigation facilities. Various steps have been taken to organise animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Cow and calf slaughter have been banned in certain areas.
• To protect the environment: Action has been taken by the Government of India in this regard by implementing some of the acts such as Wild life (Protection) Act (1972), Forest Conservation Act (1980). Further the Water and Air Acts have been provided for the establishment of central and state pollution control boards, which are engaged in the protection and improvement of environment.
• To promote and protect our national heritage: Incredible India programme has been launched for this purpose. The Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act have been enacted to protect the monuments and places of national importance.
• Promotion of international peace: India follows this principle in letter and spirit and has been following the principles of Non Alignment and Panchsheel to promote international peace and security. It is a member of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, SCO, etc., for these purposes. Furthermore the Indian Army has participated in 37 UN peace-keeping operations.

Conclusion

Directive principles are the moral precepts with an educative value and stand for the ideals of this great nation. The directives will help find the perfect way to a bright future through balanced inclusion of both individual liberty as well as public good.