Topic 02 of 5 · Chapter 06 · Indian Polity
Socialistic DPSPs (Articles 38–43A)
All socialistic directives — equal pay, maternity relief, living wage, workers’ participation, and welfare state provisions.
1. What are Socialistic DPSPs?
Socialistic DPSPs aim at establishing a welfare state by reducing inequality, ensuring social security, and protecting workers’ rights. They reflect the socialist ideals of the Constitution.
⭐ Note: These DPSPs are inspired by socialist ideology — they aim to reduce economic inequality and ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society, especially the weaker sections.
2. All Socialistic DPSPs — Article-wise
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 38 | State shall secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people; minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities |
| Article 39(a) | Citizens have the right to an adequate means of livelihood |
| Article 39(b) | Ownership and control of material resources of the community shall be distributed to serve the common good |
| Article 39(c) | Operation of the economic system shall not result in concentration of wealth to the common detriment |
| Article 39(d) | Equal pay for equal work for both men and women |
| Article 39(e) | Health and strength of workers, men and women, and children shall not be abused |
| Article 39(f) | Children shall be given opportunities to develop in a healthy manner |
| Article 39A | Free legal aid to ensure justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
| Article 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement |
| Article 42 | Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief |
| Article 43 | Living wage and decent standard of life for workers |
| Article 43A | Participation of workers in management of industries (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
| Article 47 | Raise the level of nutrition and standard of living; improve public health; prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs |
💡 Equal Pay for Equal Work: Article 39(d) directs equal pay for equal work for both men and women. This is a DPSP — not a Fundamental Right. However, the Supreme Court has held that it can be enforced through Article 14 (Right to Equality).
✅ Articles Added by 42nd Amendment (1976): Article 39A (free legal aid) and Article 43A (workers’ participation in management) were added by the 42nd Amendment.
3. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Article 38 — Welfare state; minimise inequalities
- Article 39(d) — Equal pay for equal work for men and women
- Article 39A — Free legal aid (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
- Article 41 — Right to work, education, public assistance
- Article 42 — Maternity relief and humane conditions of work
- Article 43 — Living wage for workers
- Article 43A — Workers’ participation in management (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976)
- Article 47 — Raise nutrition levels; prohibition of intoxicating drinks
- Equal pay for equal work is a DPSP, not a FR — but enforceable through Article 14