1. Background
2. DPSPs-Constitutional Provisions & its Classification
2.1. Socialistic Principles
2.2. Gandhian Principles
2.3. Liberal-Intellectual Principles
3. Directive Principles of State Policy in Preamble
4. New Directive Principles of State Policy
5. Directives Outside Part IV
6. Features of Directive Principles of State Policy
7. Significance
8. Criticism
9. Conflicts Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP: Associated Cases
10. Implementation of DPSP: Associated Acts and Amendments
11. Conclusion

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Topic – Directive Principles of State Policy (Notes)
Subject – Political Science
(Constitution of India)
Table of Contents
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are the ideals which the state should follow while formulating policies and enacting laws. They resemble the Instrument of Instructions enumerated in the Government of India Act 1935. They emphasize the idea of a Welfare State whose aim is to establish economic and social democracy. Articles 36-51 of Part IV of the Indian Constitution deal with Directive Principles of State Policy(DPSP). These principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the state to apply these principles while making laws. Candidates need to be well acquainted with the concepts and facts related to this topic.
Background
- Directive Principles of State Policy resembles the instrument of instruction contained in the Government of India Act, of 1935. Constitutional makers have taken inspiration from these instructions which were issued to the Governor-General and Governors by the British Government.
- The concept of DPSP originated in the Spanish Constitution and was incorporated into the Irish Constitution. The Indian Constitution was heavily influenced by the Irish nationalist movement, and the notion of DPSP was copied from the Irish Constitution in 1937.
- Directive Principles of State Policy are the ideals which state should follow while formulating policies and enacting laws. These are the constitutional instructions to the state in legislative, executive and administrative matters.
- Granville Austin has described Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights as Conscience of the Constitution.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘novel features’ of the Indian Constitution.
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