Classification of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) forms one of the pillars of the Constitution, which is inextricably linked with the legislative powers of the Parliament and State legislatures. These principles are fundamental in nature, and they lay down that it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is a statement of the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, and state policy that shall be the basis of administrative action. It is a body of doctrine, which will be developed by the courts to ensure that it is adhered to by State functionaries as well as political executives. To understand what DPSP are, it may be instructive to know what they are not. The DPSPs are not laws in themselves and they cannot conflict with laws passed by Parliament or State legislatures. Moreover, they cannot be overridden by decisions taken by the executive or legislative bodies in exercise of their powers under any statute or legislation.

Objectives of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

The major objectives of DPSP are to maintain economic, social and political justice in the affairs of the State. According to them, the State will cater for the secure and happy life of its citizens by guaranteeing secure and full employment, free education and free medical aid for all its citizens. State will also strive for attainment of equality between men and women. The State will aim at promotion of international peace and security. It also aims at preserving the environment and forests. 

The DPSPs are not enforceable by any legal action. They are considered to be moral guidance to the government in the formulation of its social, economic and political policies and aims at securing welfare of every citizen. A Government is expected to lay down its views as to how DPSPs can be implemented in its scheme of things. However, it is not necessary that a government will accept all suggestions made by a citizen or organization while formulating its policy or while preparing an annual budget.

Features of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

1) Their essential feature is that they are “not laws in themselves but they are all-pervasive principles which will guide the State policy makers in formulating its social and economic policies”.

2)These Principles do not bind the State to a particular course of action.

3)They will have no binding effect unless they have been incorporated into a law, while administering any Department of State or Bureaucracy.

4)However, the DPSPs are not enforceable by any legal action. However, the DPSPs may be enforceable under Articles 48 and 49 of the Constitution of India.

Classification of  Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

To know about classification of  Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under DPSP, it is important to note that all the principles which fall into the category mentioned below form part of DPSPs. These principles are:

• Social and Economic Justice: These include the following objects: Equality between men and women

Rights in Social Security

• International Peace and Security: These include the following objects: International peace and security
• Preservation of Environment and Forests: These include the following objects: Preservation of environment and forests
• General Welfare of the People: These include the following objects: General welfare of the people
• Directive Principles on Fundamental Duties: These include the following directive principles on fundamental duties :

Directive Principles in Indian Constitution  (DPSP) are found in Part-IV of Indian Constitution i.e., The Directive Principles of State Policy . They are not enforceable by any legal action but rather guide the State policy makers in formulating various policies and laws recognized as social or economic rights.

Conclusion:

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is a policy statement, which helps in securing the welfare of every citizen. It is an instrumental doctrine, which shall serve as the basis to ensure justice and social economic values as enshrined under the Constitution of India.