Part IV of the Indian Constitution lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines for the government to ensure social and economic justice, equality, and the welfare of the people. The Directive Principles are not enforceable by the courts, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country and must be taken into account by the state while making laws and policies.
Article 36 to 51
Article 36: Definition
Article 37: Application of the principles contained in this Part
Article 38: State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people
Article 39: Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State
Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid
Article 40: Organisation of village panchayats
Article 41: Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases
Article 42: Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief
Article 43: Living wage, etc., for workers
Article 43A: Participation of workers in management of industries
Article 43B: Promotion of co-operative societies
Article 44: Uniform civil code for the citizens
Article 45: Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years
Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections
Article 47: Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health
Article 48: Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
Article 48A: Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life
Article 49: Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance
Article 50: Separation of judiciary from executive
Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security
The Directive Principles are divided into three categories – social and economic, Gandhian, and international relations. The social and economic principles include provisions for the promotion of education, health, and equal pay for equal work. The Gandhian principles include the promotion of cottage industries, rural development, and the protection of the environment. The international relations principles include the promotion of peace, respect for international law, and cooperation with other nations.
Some of the key provisions of the Directive Principles include:
- Promotion of the welfare of the people, especially the weaker sections of society.
- Promotion of social justice and equality, including the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Provision of adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
- Promotion of equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
- Promotion of free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
- Promotion of public health and family welfare.
- Protection and improvement of the environment.
- Separation of the judiciary from the executive.
While the Directive Principles are not enforceable by the courts, they serve as a moral and ethical guide to the government to ensure the welfare of the people and the development of the country. It is the responsibility of the government to strive towards fulfilling these principles and working towards a just and equitable society.
In conclusion, Part IV of the Indian Constitution lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are a set of guidelines for the government to ensure the social, economic, and political well-being of the people. These principles are fundamental to the governance of the country and must be taken into account while making laws and policies.
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