Directive Principles of State Policy-Articles 40

Directive Principles of State policy defines articles 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution. It is borrowed from the Ireland Constitution, and the Ireland Constitution is copied from the Spanish Constitution. This article is all about conflicts of fundamental rights. Out of them, article 40 is all about the villages of India. Directive Principles mainly says about economic and socialistic, political and administrative, justice and legal, environmental, monuments should be protected, peace and security of the Nation. The state should make village panchayats, give responsibilities and duties, and give them powers and authorities to function as small units of self-government.

All about Articles 40 

Article 40 states that the Indian States shall take steps for organising village panchayats with the endowment to have the power and authority to function as a unit of self-government.

It says that the panchayat should have powers for functioning as self-government, which is necessary for the growth of the villages. The 73rd and 74th amendments of the constitutions describe Panchayati Raj and municipal corporation, respectively. The aim of the Directive Principles of the state is to create social and economic conditions for the citizens so that they can lead a good life. The main aim of them is to establish the social and democratic welfare of the state. 

Articles 40 is an essential article as it focuses on the backward areas of our nation. Mainly the villages and neglected. Children in villages are being forced to work after the age of 7. This article ensures that the children go to school and get an education. They are also given midday meals so that they are attracted to schools. 

Women are forced to do physical labour even if they are pregnant. Panchayat will help resolve these problems because people in villages cannot reach courts and higher authorities of government because they lack confidence. Panchayats function as a unit of self-government and bring their problems to the state machinery. In villages still, there are many family issues for which women have to suffer domestic violence.They can take their problems to the panchayat. 

A landmark case, Sarabheshwara Vidya Peetha vs the State Of Karnataka on 20 July 1988, talks about whether minorities should get education from the educational institute of their choice.

How Article 39 relates to Article 40

Article 39 states that the principles of policies should be followed by the State. 

The state should work indirect towards securing: 

• All citizens have the quality to live right and adequate livelihood. 
• The distribution and the ownership of the material resources should be such that they subserve the common good.
• The economic system should be such that it does not affect the wealth and means of production. In addition to that, it also shouldn’t affect the common detriment.
• There should be equal pay for both genders. 
• Opportunities and facilities should be given to develop the children’s childhood and protect the youth against exploitation.

Well, in a way this article 39 makes sure that a maximum of other articles including article 40 are being followed by the State.

Conclusion

The drafting committee included fundamental rights and DPSP in the February 1948 draft and final draft 26 November 1949. All the articles present in DPSP makes sure that the country is following the fundamental rights and is on track for development.