CH-3 SALIENT FEATURES OF CONSTITUTION- II
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1.What are known as Directive Principles of State Policy? In which part of the
constitution are Directive Principles incorporated?
The Directive Principles of state policy are the guidelines to be followed by the government
in the governance of the country. They are not a substitute for laws of the country.
The government has to take them into consideration while making laws.
The directive Principles are intended to create a social order in which
justice of every kind will prevail. The state should ensure that;
(a) the citizens have adequate means of livelihood, and
(b) the economic system does not result in the
concentration of wealth.
Directive Principles are incorporated in part IV of the constitution, under Article 36 to 51.
Q.3.When the Directive Principles are not enforceable by law courts, why have they
been incorporated in the Constitution?
The Directive Principles are not enforceable by law courts, still they are very important. This
importance stems from following:
1. Directive Principles are in the nature of a pledge made by the framers of the
Constitution to the people of India. They provide a framework, political, social and economic
programme for a modern democratic State.
2. The Directive Principles give guidelines to the governments to make laws and draft
their policies, according to these fundamental principles. They provide an element of
permanence in a democracy.
3. They provide a measure to judge a government's performance.
4. They enlighten and educate the people of what they can expect from the politicians
whom they vote to power.
5. They provide a direction to Courts in respect of safeguarding the rights of the citizens.
Q.4.What happens in case of any conflict between the Directive Principles and
Fundamental Rights? Give reason to support your answer.
In case of any conflict between the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights, Directive
principles shall prevail.
This is because the welfare of the people as a whole is of great importance over that of an
individual.
Q.5.Name any one measure taken by the Government towards implementation of the
Directive Principles of State Policy.
'The Right to Education' Act is one of the measures taken by the Government towards
implementation of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
The Right to Education Act has made it mandatory for every child between the ages of 6-14
to be provided free education in all government and government aided schools.
The Act also requires all private schools to reserve 25% of seats for the children belonging to
economically weaker sections of the society as a part of the public-private partnership plan.
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
Q.1.There are differences of opinion regarding the significance of both the Directive
Principles and the Fundamental Rights. In this context explain the following:
Made by Nilofur Sayyed
(a) State any three differences between the Fundamental Rights and Directive
Principles of State Policy.
Sr Directive Principles Fundamental Rights
No
1 Directive Principles are not justiciable Fundamental Rights are justiciable. The
or enforceable by any court of law. citizens can seek protection from a High
Court or Supreme Court in case of
infringement.
2 Directive Principles are meant for the Fundamental Rights are privileges in
government to create certain privileges existence for the citizens to enjoy.
for the citizens
3 These aim to establish a Welfare State These aim to establish Political
Democracy
4 They are directions to the State to attain They are a certain kind of restriction on a
certain set objectives State
5 They have a wide scope as they deal They have a limited scope as they are
with various subjects including concerned with individual’s rights
international peace and security.
Q.2.With reference to the concept of a 'Welfare State', answer the following questions:
a) What is meant by a 'Welfare State'?
A Welfare State is a state which seeks to ensure the maximum happiness of maximum
number of people living within its territory.
A Welfare State is a state which assumes broad responsibilities in the fields of health,
education, housing and social security.
The Welfare State provides for its citizens a wide range of social services
such as education, medical care and financial aid during old age, sickness,
or unemployment.
b) How does the Constitution of India seek to establish India as a Welfare State?
The Constitution of India seeks to established India as a Welfare State.
The aims and objectives of a Welfare State are clearly pointed out in the Directive Principles
of State Policy.
These Directives emphasise that the goal of the Indian Polity is a Welfare State, where the
State has a positive duty to ensure to its citizens social and economic justice and dignity to
the individual.
c) Mention any four government schemes aimed at social upliftment of the poor.
Four government schemes aimed at social upliftment of the poor are:
1. Ayushman Bharat Yojna
2. Pradhan Mantri Samaan Nidhi Yojana
3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
4. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (Housing for All)
Made by Nilofur Sayyed
Made by Nilofur Sayyed
