Topic 03 of 5 · Chapter 06 · Indian Polity
Gandhian & Liberal-Intellectual DPSPs
Gandhian directives (village panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition) and liberal-intellectual directives.
📋 In This Article
1. Gandhian DPSPs
Gandhian DPSPs are based on the principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. They reflect his vision of a self-reliant, village-based economy and society.
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 40 | Organise village panchayats and endow them with powers to function as units of self-government |
| Article 43 | Promote cottage industries on individual or cooperative basis in rural areas |
| Article 43B | Promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of cooperative societies (added by 97th Amendment, 2011) |
| Article 46 | Promote educational and economic interests of SC, ST, and other weaker sections; protect them from social injustice and exploitation |
| Article 47 | Raise level of nutrition and standard of living; improve public health; prohibit consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health |
| Article 48 | Organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines; prohibit slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle |
⭐ Article 40 — Village Panchayats: This DPSP was implemented through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions. This is one of the most important DPSPs that has been implemented.
2. Liberal-Intellectual DPSPs
Liberal-Intellectual DPSPs reflect the liberal and intellectual vision of the framers of the Constitution. They aim at creating a modern, progressive society.
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 44 | Secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India (most controversial DPSP) |
| Article 45 | Provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of 6 years (amended by 86th Amendment, 2002) |
| Article 48A | Protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
| Article 49 | Protect monuments, places, and objects of artistic or historic interest |
| Article 50 | Separate the judiciary from the executive in public services of the State |
| Article 51 | Promote international peace and security; maintain just and honourable relations between nations; foster respect for international law |
💡 Uniform Civil Code (Article 44): This is the most debated DPSP. It directs the State to secure a common civil code for all citizens regardless of religion. Currently, different personal laws apply to different religious communities. The Supreme Court has repeatedly urged Parliament to implement the UCC.
✅ Article 48A — Environment Protection: Added by 42nd Amendment (1976). The Supreme Court has used this DPSP along with Article 21 (Right to Life) to develop the right to a clean environment as a Fundamental Right.
3. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Article 40 — Village Panchayats (implemented by 73rd Amendment, 1992)
- Article 43 — Cottage industries in rural areas
- Article 43B — Cooperative societies (added by 97th Amendment, 2011)
- Article 46 — Promote education of SC, ST, and weaker sections
- Article 47 — Raise nutrition; prohibition of intoxicating drinks
- Article 48 — Animal husbandry; prohibition of cow slaughter
- Article 44 — Uniform Civil Code (most controversial DPSP)
- Article 45 — Early childhood care for children up to 6 years
- Article 48A — Protection of environment (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
- Article 50 — Separation of judiciary from executive
- Article 51 — International peace and security