Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Directive Principles of State Policy from Class 6 Social_Science. Let us begin our journey into Chapter Eighteen. Articles 36 to 51 of the fourth part of our Constitution propose the directive principles of state policy. These are guiding principles for the elected government to implement the objectives of the Constitution. As we study this chapter, you will understand the objectives of the Directive Principles of State Policy, and you will see how these principles are helpful in achieving the ideal of a Welfare State. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, let us understand what these principles actually are. The directive principles of the state policy are the guidelines given to the state for the implementation of Gandhian, socialist and liberal intellectual principles in the fourth part of the Constitution. It is the ethical directive of the Constitution that any government that comes to power should follow these principles. Think of them as sign posts for the overall development of India. Why are they so important? The directive principles of state policy are the directions given by the Constitution to the Central and State governments. It is necessary to adopt these principles while making laws, formulating and implementing policies. State directive principles are important in achieving liberty, equality, fraternity and also in establishing a welfare state. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us now go through the specific principles to be followed by the Republic of India. First is Social Justice. Its aim is to achieve public welfare by providing social, economic and political justice to the citizens. Second is Social Justice to the weaker sections. Weaker sections should be provided means of livelihood. Their economic exploitation should be avoided, and educational and economic progress and free legal aid should be given. Third is Women and child welfare. Equal pay for men and women for similar work should be given, maternity facilities for women, prevention of child exploitation, providing opportunities for children’s healthy growth and free and compulsory primary education should be provided. [CHECKPOINT]
Fourth is Labour welfare. The State has to promote the welfare of workers, provide right to work and a conducive atmosphere for work, fix minimum wages to the workers, and give opportunities to participate in the management. Fifth is Help to the needy. This means assistance by the government to the aged, disabled, sick and unemployed for survival. Sixth is Uniform Civil Code, which means enforcing a Uniform Civil Code for all the citizens of India. Seventh is Prohibition of consumption of liquor. The consumption of liquor affects health. It destroys the economic conditions of the family and increases the exploitation of women. For this, our Constitution has directed the governments to implement prohibition of liquor. [CHECKPOINT]
Eighth is Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry. The Constitution states that the state shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific bases and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. States have been thus directed in the Constitution. In this regard, Karnataka has enacted the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act-2020. Ninth is Environment. The government has to protect and develop the Environment, for example, by providing protection of environment from mining and industrial pollution. [CHECKPOINT]
Tenth is Protection of historical Monuments. Protecting and maintaining of historical monuments is the bounden duty of the government. The textbook gives examples such as Badami, Bidar, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Sannati, Mysuru, Hampi, Pattadakallu, and Vijayapura. Eleventh is Promotion of international peace and amity. The country also participates in the protection of International Peace and Amity. Now, let us pause and ask, what is Social Justice? Social Justice means assuring protection to all the citizens without discrimination of caste, religion, gender, language, colour, region and status and treating everyone as equal. Social Justice includes welfare of backward classes, fixation of wages, abolition of slavery, eradication of child exploitation, equal rights and respect for women. [CHECKPOINT]
The constitution has given several directions and suggestions to the state. But if they are violated, citizens cannot file a complaint in the court. Let us look at an example to understand this. Although seven decades have elapsed, the government has not brought a law to ban the consumption of liquor. In this regard, we cannot appeal to the court. This shows that while these principles guide the government, they are not legally enforceable in courts like fundamental rights. Let us move to an important activity. The textbook asks you to consider: To what extent have the Directive Principles been put into practice in our State? Today, various kinds of exploitations are taking place. You are asked to organise a debate on the subject and make a list of opinions which come out of the debate. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, it is time for our exercises. I will read each question and provide a complete answer for you to study. Question one: What is meant by Directive Principles of State Policy? Answer: The directive principles of the state policy are the guidelines given to the state for the implementation of Gandhian, socialist and liberal intellectual principles in the fourth part of the Constitution. They are the ethical directives that any elected government should follow to achieve the objectives of the Constitution and act as sign posts for the overall development of India. Question two: What directives has the constitution given to the state for establishing women and child welfare? Answer: The constitution directs that equal pay for men and women for similar work should be given. It also mandates maternity facilities for women, prevention of child exploitation, providing opportunities for children’s healthy growth, and free and compulsory primary education should be provided. [CHECKPOINT]
Question three: Why has the directive principles and state policy emphasized the agriculture and animal husbandry? Answer: It is emphasized because the state must organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific bases. The state must take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle, which are the wealth of our nation. Karnataka has also enacted the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act-2020 in this regard. Question four: Why have the states been given directives to ban the consumption of liquor? Answer: The consumption of liquor affects health, destroys the economic conditions of the family, and increases the exploitation of women. Therefore, the Constitution directs governments to implement prohibition of liquor. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us discuss the group questions. Question five: Discuss Social Justice to the weak. Answer: Social justice to weaker sections means they should be provided means of livelihood. Their economic exploitation should be avoided, and they should be given educational and economic progress along with free legal aid. Question six: Discuss Prohibition of consumption of liquor. Answer: As stated earlier, liquor harms health, ruins family finances, and increases women's exploitation. Though the Constitution directs prohibition, it remains a directive principle, meaning citizens cannot go to court if the government delays implementing it, as seen even after seven decades. Question seven: Discuss Protection of historical monuments. Answer: Protecting and maintaining historical monuments is the bounden duty of the government. Important monuments that need protection include Badami, Bidar, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Sannati, Mysuru, Hampi, Pattadakallu, and Vijayapura. [CHECKPOINT]
Question eight: What can be done to make right to education for children more effective? Answer: Based on our directive principles, we must strictly implement free and compulsory primary education for all. We should prevent child exploitation, provide opportunities for children’s healthy growth, and ensure that weaker sections receive educational support. By following these constitutional guidelines, we can make the right to education truly effective. Finally, let us look at the activities at the end of the chapter. Activity one asks you to observe the persons in your locality who are socially and economically weak. Discuss with your classmates why they happen to be weak. Activity two asks you to conduct a seminar on the topic, Ill effects of consumption of liquor and drug on the youth, and collect the opinions. Activity three reminds you that child right is necessary for all round development of child. Did you know that you can call child helpline 1098 when they are violated? Arrange a discussion on this issue and collect opinions. [CHECKPOINT]
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]