The directive principles of state policy fall under Articles 36-51 of the Indian constitution. These articles fall under the Part-IV of the constitution of India. The idea of Directive Principles of State Policy was suggested by the Sapru Committee in 1945. It subdivided the rights of Indian citizens into two categories: Justiciable and non-justiciable. The justiciable rights can be justified easily, like fundamental rights. Non-justiciable are hard to justify, like directive principles of state policy. So, directive principles are not well defined. Directive principles of state policy also ensure the Prevention of Atrocities Act. 

Directive principles of state policy 

The main goal behind these principles is to maintain the balance between India’s social and economic democracy. These principles are the bunch of constitutional ideals that the parliamentary and central government does not enforce to follow. It is because there is certain criticism of these principles. Criticism, like no legal force, lacks clarity and makes this principle less useful, which does not enforce too much by the central government. 

The best thing about this Act is that it supports the Prevention of Atrocities Act. Under this Act, discrimination based on caste and religion is prohibited. Prevention of Atrocities Act facilitates the freedom of caste, religion. Along with this, the directive principles of state policy also incorporate two other acts. These are the Minimum Wages Act and Consumer Protection Act. The directive principles of state policy cover all these domains of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Consumer Protection Act. Although, these acts are also used to enforce the directive principles of state policy. 

Prevention of Atrocities Act

Let’s learn about the Prevention of Atrocities Act. 

The Prevention of Atrocities Act was enacted by the government of India on 11 September 1989. Although, on 11 September, it was passed by the Parliament but came into practice on 30 January 1990. Prevention of Atrocities Act came into existence to remove the discrimination based on caste and religion. The directive principles of state policy also contain some laws which define the Prevention of Atrocities Act. Many of its principles facilitate the main motive of the Prevention of Atrocities Act. 

Minimum Wages Act

Let’s learn about the Minimum Wages Act. 

Minimum Wages Act was enacted by the Parliament of India on 15 March 1948. This Act is passed to set the least wages rates for certain employees. It sets the  minimum wage to be  given to the skilled worker. Although, it ensures that any type of exploitation should not be done with the labourers by their owners. It provides for the fair wages that are reliable to fulfil any labour’s need. Minimum Wages Act also enforces the implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy. Although, directive principles of state policy also consist of principles that fulfil or incorporate the laws of the Minimum Wages Act. 

Characteristics of Directive Principles of State Policy. 

Let’s learn about the characteristics of Directive Principles of State Policy. 

  • The main goal of Directive Principles is to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of India so that every Indian citizen can live their lives happily and peacefully. 
  • The Directive Principles also aim to ensure the proper implementation of democratic principles. It also ensures that every Indian citizen will get all the rights. 
  • Under article 37 of the Indian constitution, while making laws, the implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy in states is the duty of every state minister. That’s why implementing these principles can’t be neglected by any state government. 
  • Directive Principles cannot be changed or reversed by any government of India. However, the central government can make some modifications to them. 
  • The policies written under directive principles can’t be changed or reversed. They will remain intact unless the described policy principles are deleted. 
  • These principles also ensure that all the policies of the state government strive for the welfare of citizens. 

Types of Directive Principles to enforce

Let’s learn about the types of Directive Principles to enforce. 

There are three types of Directive Principles:

  • Gandhian Principles
  • Socialistic Principles
  • Liberal-Intellectual Principles.

The educational principles of Directive Principles of State Policy facilitate economic justice and sovereignty. So, the laws of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Consumer Protection Act are demonstrated under Socialistic Principles. Socialistic Principles were also designed to prevent the right of Indian citizens and to promote harmony in the whole nation.

Conclusion 

Under the constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy are considered ‘fundamental principles.’ Every state has to implement directive principles while making the laws and policies. The directive principles also support acts like the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the Minimum Wages Act. It ensures that these principles cover all the important domains of Indian society. Directive Principles of State Policy play an important role in removing the discrimination and occurrence of harmful activities from India. Article 245 of the Indian constitution mandates the implementation of these principles as applicable laws.