Previous Year Question
Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India:
Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code.
Organising village panchayats.
Promoting cottage industries in rural areas.
Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities.
Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
1, 2 and 4 only
2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Directive Principles are generally classified, according to their objectives and ideological foundations, into Socialist, Gandhian and Liberal-Intellectual principles. This classification is not formally provided in the Constitution; it is used for analytical convenience.
Statement 1 is not Gandhian. A Uniform Civil Code for citizens is provided under Article 44. It is generally classified as a Liberal-Intellectual principle. It directs the State to endeavour towards a common legal framework in civil matters such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption.
Statement 2 is Gandhian. Article 40 directs the State to organise village panchayats and endow them with powers necessary to function as units of self-government.
It reflects Gandhi’s idea of Gram Swaraj, based on decentralised governance and self-reliant village communities. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 subsequently inserted Part IX and granted constitutional status to Panchayats.
Statement 3 is Gandhian. Article 43 directs the State to promote cottage industries in rural areas on an individual or cooperative basis. It is associated with village industries, local production, employment and rural self-reliance.
Statement 4 is not Gandhian. Article 43 also refers to a decent standard of life and the full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities for workers. This component is generally classified as Socialist because it concerns labour welfare and socio-economic justice.
Important Gandhian Directive Principles generally include:
Article 40—organisation of village panchayats.
Article 43—promotion of cottage industries in rural areas.
Article 46—promotion of the interests of weaker sections, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Article 47—endeavour to prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.
Article 48—organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry and preservation of breeds of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle.