Hello, dedicated learners!
So far in our constitutional journey, we've navigated the making of the Constitution, understood its soul in the Preamble, and mastered the powerful, enforceable Fundamental Rights. We now know what the country guarantees to us.
But the Constitution is a two-way street. It also lays down a moral and administrative roadmap for the government and a code of conduct for its citizens. Today, we explore these two vital components: the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and the Fundamental Duties. Think of them as the 'conscience' of our Constitution.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
The DPSP are a set of ideals and instructions that the government should keep in mind while making laws and policies. They are the 'should-dos' for a just and welfare-oriented state.
Key Facts for Your SSC Notebook: 📝
Part of Constitution: Part IV
Articles Covered: Articles 36 to 51
Borrowed From: The Constitution of Ireland. (A classic SSC question!)
Nature: They are non-justiciable. This means you cannot sue the government in a court of law for not implementing a DPSP. They are fundamental guidelines, not legal commands. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described them as the 'novel features' of the Constitution.
Important DPSPs for Your Exam:
While all DPSPs are important, some are repeatedly asked in exams. Let's focus on those:
Article 40 (⭐ Exam Hotspot): To organize village panchayats and empower them to function as units of self-government. This is a cornerstone of Gandhian principles.
Article 44 (⭐ Very Important): To secure for all citizens a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) throughout the territory of India.
Article 39A: To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor. (Added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976).
Article 50: To separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
Article 51: To promote international peace and security.
Fundamental Duties
While the Constitution gave us rights, it was later felt that a list of duties for the citizens was also necessary to build a responsible nation.
Key Facts for Your SSC Notebook: 📝
Part of Constitution: Part IV-A
Article Covered: Article 51-A (contains all 11 duties).
Origin (🔥 Exam Goldmine): They were NOT in the original Constitution.
Added by: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
Recommended by: The Swaran Singh Committee. (Memorize this name!)
Borrowed From: The Constitution of the former USSR (now Russia).
Nature: Like DPSP, they are also non-justiciable.
From 10 to 11 Duties:
Originally, there were 10 Fundamental Duties. The 11th duty was added later.
The 11th Duty (🔥 Exam Goldmine): This duty requires every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Added by: The 86th Amendment Act, 2002. (You'll remember this is the same amendment that added Article 21A - the Right to Education!).
Some of the key duties include respecting the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem; protecting public property; safeguarding the environment; and developing a scientific temper.
In essence, DPSP are directives to the state, and Fundamental Duties are obligations on the citizen. Both work together to guide the nation towards the ideals enshrined in our Preamble.
We've now covered the philosophy, rights, and duties laid out in our Constitution. But who runs the country based on these rules? In our next post, we will begin exploring the Union Executive, starting with the highest office in the land: The President of India.
Keep up the momentum!
#SSCCGL #GeneralAwareness #IndianPolity #DPSP #FundamentalDuties #ConstitutionofIndia
