Directive Principles of State Policy MCQ Questions and Answers

Following steps were taken by the Government of India to give effect to Directive Principles of state policies (DPSPs) –

• Enactment of CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) in 1973 give effect to Article 50 of DPSP i.e. it separated the judiciary from executive.

• Passing Zamindari abolition bills give effect to Article 39(c) of DPSP i.e. to prevent concentration of wealth and production.

• Nationalisation of Commercial banks give effect to Article 39(b) of DPSP i.e.to utilize the financial resources for promoting the common good.

• Provisions for reservation for the uplift of the scheduled castes give effect to Article 46 of DPSP i.e. to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections.

• Creation of NALSA (National legal services Authorities Act) give effect to Article 39A of DPSP i.e. to provide free legal aid to poor.

Indian Penal Code was enacted in the British era in 1860 much before the formation of Indian constitution and Directive principles.

Socialism is an economic and political system based on public ownership of the means of production. Socialist economies tend to lean heavily towards public sector to create economic equality.

Option a is correct. Democratic socialism holds faith in a ‘mixed economy’ where both public and private sectors co-exist side by side. As the Supreme Court says, ‘Democratic socialism aims to end poverty, ignorance, disease and inequality of opportunity. Indian socialism is a blend of Marxism and Gandhism, leaning heavily towards Gandhian socialism’

Option b is incorrect. Capitalist Democracy (and not democratic socialism) follows the ideals of market and capital economy and pursues the path of globalization towards economic integration of domestic markets.

Option c is incorrect. Communistic socialism, also known as ‘state socialism’, (and not democratic socialism) involves the nationalisation of all means of production and distribution and the abolition of private property.

Option d is incorrect. In a purely socialist system (and not democratic socialism), all legal production and distribution decisions are made by the government, and individuals rely on the state for everything from food to healthcare. The government determines the output and pricing levels of these goods and services.

Following provisions of Directive Principles of State Policy provides for social and economic justice. They direct the state under:

• Article 39 (c) to prevent the concentration of wealth and means of production.

• Article 43 to secure a living wage, a decent standard of life and social and cultural opportunities for all workers.

• Article 43 A to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries. Promotion of cottage industries and formation of cooperative societies are based on Gandhian principles for socio-economic democracy:

• Article 43 provides for promotion of cottage industries on an individual or cooperation basis in rural areas.

• Article 43B provides for promotion of voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies.

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. Some of the provisions are: Fundamental Rights:

• Equality before law for women (Article 14.

• The State is not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them (Article 15.

• The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children (Article 15 (3.)

• Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State (Article 16) Directive Principles of State Policy:

• To minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities (Article 38). • To secure the right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens (Article 39 a).

• To secure equal pay for equal work for men and women (Article 39 d)

Fundamental Duties:

• Article 51A (e) to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. The Eighth Schedule deals with the 22 official languages recognized by the Indian Constitution.

Statement 1 is incorrect. All the DPSP since the adoption and enforcement of the constitution have been non-justiciable. The 25th amendment act provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive Principles contained in Article 39 (b) or (c) cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of the rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19 and 31.

Statement 2 is correct. Though the Directive Principles are non-justiciable, the Constitution (Article 37. makes it clear that ‘these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws’. Thus, they impose a moral obligation on the state authorities for their application.

Statement 3 is correct. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, implemented the constitutional obligation stated in Article 40( Organisation of village panchayats).

Directive Principle of State Policy deals with the promotion of international peace and security

ARTICLE 51: Promotion of international peace and security: The State shall endeavour to —

(a) promote international peace and security;

(b) maintain just and honourable relations between nations;

(c) foster respect for international law and

(d) encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

The provisions of Article 51 of the Constitution of India embody an affirmation of the philosophy and ideals of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam.

The Directive Principles of State Policy aims at establishing a welfare state. These are guidelines to the central and state governments of India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. They are enumerated in part IV of the constitution of India. They are the instruments of instructions in the governance of the country. The directive principles lay down certain economic & social policies to be pursued by the various governments in India.

Option b is incorrect. Concept of absolute economic equality is an outcome of communism. Welfare state is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth (not absolute redistribution), and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life.

Option c is correct. The concept of laissez faire is based on a model of dependence on the market for fair distribution, and requires no intervention by the state. A welfare state is a concept of government where the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens.

There are two main interpretations of the idea of a welfare state:

• A model in which the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. This responsibility in theory ought to be comprehensive, because all aspects of welfare are considered and universally applied to citizens as a “right”.

• Welfare state can also mean the creation of a “social safety net” of minimum standards of varying forms of welfare.

Option d is correct. The preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and a welfare state committed to secure justice, liberty and equality for the people and for promoting fraternity, dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the nation.

Statement a is correct. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence is part of fundamental duties which itself is mentioned in Part IV-A of the constitution.

Statement b is correct. To secure opportunities for healthy development of children (Article 39) is part of Directive Principles which itself is mentioned in Part IV of the constitution.

Statement c is correct. To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of people and to improve public health (Article 47) which itself is mentioned in Part IV of the constitution.

Statement d is incorrect. Right to acquire and dispose of property had been included in the part III of the constitution. However, it has been removed from part iii (Fundamental rights) by the Constitution (forty-fourth amendment act), 1978.

Since 1950, the successive governments at the Centre and in the states have made several laws and formulated various programmes for implementing the Directive Principles.

1. The Maternity Benefit Act (1961) and the Equal Remuneration Act (1976) have been made to protect the interests of women workers. Article 42: The State shall make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

2. The Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) has established a nation-wide network to provide free and competent legal aid to the poor and to organise lok adalats for promoting equal justice. Lok adalat is a statutory forum for conciliatory settlement of legal disputes. Article 39A: To provide free legal aid to the poor.

3. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, have been enacted to safeguard the wildlife and the forests respectively. Article 48A: To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

4. The 73rd Amendment Act (1992) has been enacted to provide constitutional status and protection to these panchayati raj institutions. Article 40: The State shall take steps to organise village panchayats as units of Self Government

5. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, have been enacted to protect the SCs and STs from social injustice and exploitation. Article 46: The State shall promote educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people particularly that of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other weaker sections.

Statement 1 is correct. Fundamental duties promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India and ensures renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

Statement 2 is correct. Directive principles under Article 39(a) secures equally the right to an adequate means of livelihood for both men and women.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Article 243D(3) under Part IX provides not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat to be reserved for women.

Article 44 puts an obligation on the state to secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country. The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) calls for the formulation of one law for India, which would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption. The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution, which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India

Option a is incorrect. Uniform Civil Code is not covered under Fundamental rights nor it is a legal right under Indian Constitution, but given under Directive Principle of State Policy.

Option c is incorrect. It is not a common set of laws for civil administration across central and state government in India. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) calls for the formulation of one law for India, which would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption.

Option d is incorrect. It does not envisage uniformity in the state’s law with respect to the practice of religion in the country, but aims to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply on all citizens equally regardless of their religion.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Under Article 51A, it is a fundamental duty of every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. It is not a Directive Principle of State Policy.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Under Article 51A, it is a fundamental duty of every citizen to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. It is not a Directive Principle of State Policy.

Statement 1 is incorrect. It is possible to see both Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles as complementary to each other. Fundamental Rights restrain the government from doing certain things while Directive Principles exhort the government to do certain things. Fundamental Rights mainly protect the rights of individuals while directive principles ensure the well-being of the entire society.

Statement 2 is correct.

Directive Principles lists mainly three things:

1. the goals and objectives that we as a society should adopt;

2. certain rights that individuals should enjoy apart from the Fundamental Rights; and

3. certain policies that the government should adopt. Directive principles of State policy are Non-justiciable rights.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While Fundamental Rights are justiciable in nature, there are certain other rights provided in the Indian Constitution which are also justiciable in nature. Such rights are referred to as constitutional rights. For instance, Article 300-A of the Indian Constitution provides for Right to property. Similarly, Article 326 of the Constitution guarantees the right to vote to every citizen above the age of 18.

‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Preamble aims to achieve JUSTICE- Social, Economic and Political. The Directive Principles of State Policy lay down the framework of a democratic socialist state, aim at providing social and economic justice, and set the path towards welfare state.

The Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy, which though not justiciable, are ‘fundamental in governance of the country’, and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

Statement 1 is correct. The Directive Principles, though non-justiciable in nature, help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law.

Statement 2 is correct. The Directive Principles resemble the ‘Instrument of Instructions’ enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935. In the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, ‘the Directive Principles are like the instrument of instructions, which were issued to the Governor- General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935.

Statement 3 is incorrect. DPSPs seek to establish economic and social democracy in the country. The Fundamental Rights are meant for promoting the ideal of political democracy.

Statement 1 is incorrect. In Minerva Mill case, the court observed that Part III and Part IV are the two wheels of the chariot as an aid to make social and economic democracy. Even though in principle, the Fundamental Rights enjoy supremacy over the Directive Principles. However, the Parliament can amend the Fundamental Rights for implementing the Directive Principles, so long as the amendment does not damage or destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.

Statement 2 is correct. The Parliament can amend the Fundamental Rights for implementing the Directive Principles, so long as the amendment does not damage or destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.

Statement 1 is correct. The Directives Principles of State Policy facilitate stability and continuity in domestic and foreign policies in political, economic and social spheres in spite of the changes of the party in power.

Statement 2 is correct. They are supplementary to the fundamental rights of the citizens. They are intended to fill in the vacuum in Part III by providing for social and economic rights.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Directive Principles of State Policy are positive as they require the State to do certain things. On the other hand, the Fundamental rights are negative and put limitations on state as they prohibit the State from doing certain things.

Statement 2 is correct. The Supreme Court in Minerva Mills Ltd. Vs Union of India case of 1980 held that balance between the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Rights is part of ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. The court held that Part III and Part IV are complementary and supplementary to each other.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Directive Principles of State Policy direct the state to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State (Article 50).

Statement 1 is incorrect. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court held that the judicial review is a basic feature of the Constitution and hence, cannot be taken away. Hence, laws which seek to implement the Directive Principles of State Policy can be questioned in courts on the ground that they violate the Fundamental rights.

Statement 2 is incorrect. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court held that amendments as constitutional and valid. Hence, the Fundamental Rights conferred by Article 14 and Article 19 were accepted as subordinate to the Directive Principles specifi ed in Article 39 (b) and (c).

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. To secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement is based on Socialistic Principles.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. To promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies- is based on Gandhian Principles.

Pair 3 is correctly matched. To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country – represent the ideology of liberalism.

The Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) includes:

• Article 47: The State shall prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health. Hence, option a is correct.

• Article 45: The State shall provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. Hence, option b is correct.

• Article 50: The State shall strive to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. Hence, option d is correct. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so is a fundamental duty.

Important Directive Principles of State Policy included under Part IV of the Constitution are –

1) To secure (a) the right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens; (b) the equitable distribution of material resources of the community for the common good; (c) prevention of concentration of wealth and means of production; (d) equal pay for equal work for men and women; (e) preservation of the health and strength of workers and children against forcible abuse; and (f) opportunities for healthy development of children5 (Article 39).

2) To secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement (Article 41).

3) To promote cottage industries on an individual or cooperation basis in rural areas (Article 43).

4) To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health (Article 47).

On the basis of their content and direction, DPSPs can be classified into three broad categories, viz, socialistic, Gandhian and liberal-intellectual. Gandhian Principles represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Gandhi during the national movement. For Ex

1) To organise village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority to enable them to function as units of self-government (Article 40).

2) To promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operation basis in rural areas (Article 43).

Statement 1 is incorrect. To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country (Article 44) represents the ideology of liberalism.

Statement 4 is incorrect. To secure a living wage, a decent standard of life and social and cultural opportunities for all workers (Article 43) represent the ideology of socialism.

Pair 1-C Article 44 – To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code throughout the country.

Pair 2-D Article 47 – To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of people and to improve public health.

Pair 3-A Article 50 – To separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.

Pair 4-B Article 51 – To promote international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Apart from the Directives included in Part IV in the form of Directive Principle of State Policy, there are some other Directives contained in other Parts of the Constitution. They are:

Statement 1 is correct. Claims of SCs and STs to Services: The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the aff airs of the Union or a State (Article 335 in Part XVI).

Statement 2 is correct. Development of the Hindi Language: It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language (Article 351 in Part XVII).

Statement 3 is correct. Instruction in mother tongue: It shall be the endeavour of every state and every local authority within the state to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups (Article 350-A in Part XVII).

Statement 1 is incorrect. The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 added one more Directive Principle, which requires the State to minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities (Article 38). Hence, The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added four new Directive Principles to the original list. They require the State:

• To secure opportunities for healthy development of children (Article 39).

• To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor (Article 39 A). Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

• To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries (Article 43 A). Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

• To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48 A).

In the Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court also held that ‘the Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles`. They together constitute the core of commitment to social revolution. They are like two wheels of a chariot, one no less than the other.

Statement 1 is correct. DPSPs contain the goals and objectives that we as a society should adopt. For example, article 38 to provide minimum inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities, Article 39 A- to provide equal justice and to provide free legal aid to poor etc.

Statement 2 is correct. DPSPs contain certain rights apart from Fundamental Rights which should be enjoyed by individuals. For example, Article 39 states that the State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing adequate mans of livelihood, equal pay for equal work for both men and women, prevention of concentration of wealth etc.

Statement 3 is incorrect. DPSP does not contain as such provisions to avoid conflict between the Centre and states. Instead, DPSPs provisions can lead to sometimes the conflict between the Centre and states. For example, when Centre gives direction to state to implement some principles, but in case of non-compliance, it can dismiss the state government and thus leading to conflict.

Statement 4 is correct. DPSPs contain certain policies which should be adopted by government for example, policies to promote cottage industries, to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and other weaker sections of society

The instrument of instructions was issued to Governor General and to Governors of the colonies of India by British government under the Government of India (GoI) Act, 1935, i.e., to the Executive only. However, the DPSPs are the instructions to both legislature and executive.

Option a is incorrect.The instrument of instructions was issued by the British Government under the Government of India Act of 1935, not Government of India Act 1919.

Option c and d are incorrect. Instrument of instructions under Government of India Act 1935 were instructions issued to Governors of the colonies or Governor in general by British government. It was not issued by the Governor-general. Under the draft constitution these instructions were proposed to issue directives to state and central governments and adopted under Directive Principles of State policies. Both instrument of instructions and the Directive Principles are not enforceable by court.

DPSP consists of all the ideals which the State should follow and keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws for the country.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Social and economic democracy is ensured by DPSPs by promoting justice in social, economic, and political order, whereas political democracy is ensured by Fundamental rights by guaranteeing equality, liberty, religious freedom and cultural rights.

Statement 2 is correct: DPSPs are not enforceable or non-justiciable in the court of law. So, this does not allow persons to move to the court for their enforcement if and when they are violated. Thus, no matter related to implementation of DPSPs can be appealed in court. DPSPs require legislation for their implementation.

Directive Principles of State Policy are mentioned in Articles 36-51, Part IV of the Constitution. Apart from the articles mentioned in Part IV of the constitution, there are some other articles in the constitution which enjoin on the state the task to make certain policies for people and non-justiciable in nature

Statement 1 is correct. According to Article 335 mentioned in Part XVI, the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with affairs of the Union or a State.

Statement 2 is correct. Article 350 A of Part XVII suggests that every state and every local authority within state will provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The directive principle included as Liberal-Intellectual principle under Article 51 of Part IV promotes international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations; foster respect for international law and treaty obligations and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Statement 4 is correct. Article 351 mentioned in Part XVII enjoins the Union to promote the spread of Hindi language and to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression of all elements of the composite culture of India.

Article 31C has been amended many times for the implementation of DPSPs. The features and significance of the Article is:

Option a is incorrect – Article 31C was inserted in the Constitution by 25th Amendment Act, 1971. It was introduced to overturn the SC judgement in the Golaknath case in 1967. Supreme Court has specified that Fundamental rights cannot be abridged or diluted in any case. The parliament responded again by bringing the 25th Amendment Act of the constitution which inserted Article 31C in Part III.

Option b is incorrect – Article 31(B) protects the acts and regulations included in the Ninth Schedule from being challenged and invalidated on the ground of contravention of any of the fundamental rights. However, the Supreme Court in its judgement in the I.R. Coelho case (2007) ruled that even laws under the Ninth Schedule would be open to scrutiny if they violated Fundamental Rights or the basic structure of the Constitution.

Option c is correct – Article 31C says that no law that seeks to implement socialistic directive principles specified in Articles 39 (b) and (c), shall be declared void on the grounds of contravention of the fundamental rights conferred by Article 14 or Article 19. It has been upheld by the Supreme court in Kesavananda Bharti Case, 1973. When the parliament bought 42nd Amendment Act to allow the abridgment for any of the DPSPs, the court nullified it through Minerva Mills Case, 1980 stating there should be balance between DPSPs and Fundamental Right.

Option d is incorrect – Article 39 (c) says that Th e State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing: that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.

The Directive Principles along with the Fundamental Rights contain the philosophy of the Constitution and is the soul of the Constitution. Some of the features of DPSPs are:

Statement 1 is incorrect – The Directive Principles are non-justiciable in nature, that is, they are not legally enforceable by the courts for their violation. Therefore, the government (Central, state and local) cannot be compelled to implement them. There is no freedom to the executive to make it justiciable or non-justiciable. It can only be done by amending the constitution through the Parliament.

Statement 2 is correct – In the Champakam Dorairajan case (1951), the Supreme Court ruled that in case of any conflict between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles, the former would prevail. It declared that the Directive Principles have to conform to and run as subsidiary to the Fundamental Rights. But, it also held that the Fundamental Rights could be amended by the Parliament by enacting constitutional amendment acts. As a result, the Parliament made the First Amendment Act (1951), the Fourth Amendment Act (1955) and the Seventeenth Amendment Act (1964) to implement some of the Directives.

DPSPs are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws. Importance of DPSPs are:

The Directive Principles constitute a very comprehensive economic, social and political programme for a modern democratic State. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had pointed out that the Directives have great value because they lay down that the goal of Indian polity is ‘economic democracy’ as distinguished from ‘political democracy’. We can see articles in DPSPs like 39(b) and 39(c) that focus on distribution of wealth and prevents the concentration of wealth in one individual. Also it promotes the involvement of workers in the management of industries.

Statement 1 is incorrect – Scholars have pointed out that the Directives lead to a constitutional conflict (a) between the Centre and the states, (b) between the President and the Prime Minister, and (c) between the governor and the chief minister. According to them, the Centre can give directions to the states with regard to the implementation of these principles, and in case of noncompliance, can dismiss the state government. Similarly, when the Prime Minister gets a bill (which violates the Directive Principles) passed by the Parliament, the president may reject the bill on the ground that these principles are fundamental to the governance of the country and hence, the ministry has no right to ignore them. Th e same constitutional conflict may occur between the governor and the chief minister at the state level.

Statement 2 is correct – DPSPs facilitate stability and continuity in domestic and foreign policies in political, economic and social spheres in spite of the changes of the party in power. It provides the continuity because no government or party can ignore this. It provides for the provision of the welfare state in the country. It acts as a political manifesto for all the parties to work upon.

Fabian socialism is a variety of socialism. For the propagation of socialist ideals and ideas the Fabian Society was formed in 1883 (some say that it was established in 1884). Features are as follows:

Option a is incorrect – The purpose of the Fabian Society was to reach the goals of socialism through evolutionary or parliamentary process and to avoid revolution or armed struggle. It is against complete revolution or armed struggle as it believes that it can ensure only temporary relief but in the long run may cause disastrous results. It includes parliamentary processes like Universal Adult Franchise, periodic elections; enact laws by representatives etc. for the functioning of society

Option b is incorrect – The programme of the Fabian socialists is that economic power should be so restructured as to reduce the economic inequalities among classes and people to a minimum and tolerable level. Fabian’s advocacy for nationalisation of key industries does not surprise us. But they did not support the management of the entire economy by the state. It advocates nationalization of key industries in the economic structure of the society, but did not support management of entire economy by state.

Option c is correct – The socialists (especially the Marxists) thought of capturing the state power because in their judgment it was the instrument of exploitation. But the Fabians did not see or treat the state in that light. They felt the necessity of state and it was the ultimate arbiter of all disputes. Though powers shall be rested in the hands of state it would have no opportunity to exercise it arbitrarily.

Option d is incorrect – Guild socialism is a political movement advocating workers’ control of industry through the medium of trade-related guilds “in an implied contractual relationship with the public”. It originated in the United Kingdom and was at its most        influential in the first quarter of the 20th century. It was strongly associated with G. D. H. Cole and influenced by the ideas of William Morris.

Since 1950, the successive governments at the Centre and in the states have made several laws and formulated various programmes for implementing the Directive Principles.

Statement 1 is correct: In 2019, the central government issued orders providing 10% reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) in admission to educational institutions and civil posts and services in the Government of India. The benefit of this reservation can be availed by the persons belonging to EWSs who are not covered under any of the existing schemes of reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs. This reservation was facilitated by the 103rd Amendment Act of 2019. Article 46 provides that the State shall promote educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people particularly that of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other weaker sections.

Statement 2 is correct: Various national-level commissions have been established to promote and protect the social, educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the society. These include the National Commission for Backward Classes (1993), the National Commission for Minorities (1993), the National Commission for Women (1992) and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (2007). Further, the 102nd Amendment Act of 2018 conferred a constitutional status on the National Commission for Backward Classes and also enlarged its functions.

Statement 3 is correct: The Planning Commission was established in 1950 to take up the development of the country in a planned manner. The successive Five Year Plans aimed at securing socioeconomic justice and reducing inequalities of income, status and opportunities. In 2015, the Planning Commission was replaced by a new body called NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). Article 39 of the Indian Constitution, specifi cally deals with the provisions or principles of policy that shall be undertaken by the state.

Statement 4 is correct: Various measures have been taken to utilise the financial resources for promoting the common good. These include nationalisation of life insurance (1956), the nationalisation of fourteen leading commercial banks (1969), nationalisation of general insurance (1971), abolition of Privy Purses (1971) and so on. Nationalization implements provisions of Article 39. It says that Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State: The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good.

Statement 1 is correct. Articles 12-35 of Indian Constitution deal with Fundamental Rights. These human rights are conferred upon the citizens of India for the Constitution tells that these rights are inviolable. Right to Life, Right to Dignity, and Right to Education etc. all come under one of the six main fundamental rights. These are negative as they prohibit the State from doing certain things and articles 36-51 under Part-IV of the Indian Constitution deal with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). They are borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland. These are positive as they require the State to do certain things.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Fundamental rights promote the welfare of the individual. Hence, they are personal and individualistic. And directive principles of state policy promote the welfare of the community. Hence, they are societarian and socialistic.

Statement 3 is correct. Fundamental rights have legal sanctions hence they do not require any legislation for their implementation. They are automatically enforced. and directive principles have moral and Political sanctions. They require legislation for their implementation. They are not automatically enforced.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution does not contain any classification of Directive Principles. However, on the basis of their content and direction, they can be classified into three broad categories, viz, socialistic, Gandhian and liberal-intellectual. Socialistic principles reflect the ideology of socialism. They lay down the framework of a democratic socialist state, aim at providing social and economic justice, and set the path towards welfare state. Gandhian principles are based on Gandhian ideology. They represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Gandhi during the national movement. In order to fulfil the dreams of Gandhi, some of his ideas were included as Directive Principles. Liberal-Intellectual Principles in this category represent the ideology of liberalism.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The majority of the provisions in the Constitution need to be amended by a special majority of Parliament, that is, a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of two-thirds of the members of each House present and voting. The provisions which can be amended in this way include: Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles forms a part of basic structure of the Indian constitution.

According to the Article-49 of Directive Principles of State Policy enumerated in Part IV of the constitution deals with the Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance. It shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interests, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance, from spoliation, disfi gurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be. Later to provide it with legislative backing The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 was enacted which envisages the provisions of Article-49.