Gandhian Principles of Directive Principles of State Policy 

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are an integral part of the Indian Constitution, enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36–51). These principles provide guidelines to the government for the governance of the country. Though non-justiciable (not enforceable in a court of law), DPSPs are crucial in shaping India’s policies and laws. Among the various categories of DPSP, the Gandhian principles stand out due to their focus on rural development, social welfare, and protection of the weaker sections of society.

The Gandhian principles in the DPSP are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant, egalitarian, and decentralised society. These principles reflect Gandhi’s ideals of village self-governance, social justice, equality, and protection of the environment. This article provides a detailed examination of the Gandhian principles in the DPSP, their significance, and their influence on India’s governance and legal framework.

What are the Gandhian Principles in DPSP?

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy profoundly influenced the formation of the Indian Constitution. His emphasis on rural development, decentralisation of power, and protection of the weak is reflected in the Gandhian principles within the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles advocate for a society that values equality, justice, and protection of vulnerable groups.

The Gandhian principles in the DPSP can be broadly categorised as focusing on:

• Village self-governance and decentralisation of power.
• Social and economic upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged.
• Protection of women, children, and weaker sections of society.
• Environmental protection and conservation of resources.

These principles aim to bring about an inclusive society, where the State plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice and equality for all its citizens.

Key Articles Reflecting Gandhian Principles

The Gandhian principles are specifically articulated in several articles under the DPSP. These articles lay down the guidelines for the State to follow in ensuring social welfare, protecting the weaker sections of society, and promoting rural development. The key articles include:

Article 40: Organisation of Panchayats

Article 40 directs the State to organise Panchayats (local self-governments) and grant them powers necessary for their functioning. This reflects Gandhi’s belief in village self-rule and his vision of decentralised governance. Gandhi was a strong advocate for empowering villages to manage their own affairs, as he believed that true democracy could only be achieved through self-governance at the grassroots level.

• Empowerment of Rural Areas: By promoting Panchayats, this principle aims to decentralise power from the central government to local communities, enabling rural areas to make decisions that directly impact their lives.
• Grassroots Democracy: Article 40 aligns with Gandhi’s idea of “Gram Swaraj” (village self-rule), where villages are autonomous, manage their resources, and ensure the welfare of their inhabitants.

Article 43: Promotion of Cottage Industries

Article 43 directs the State to promote cottage industries based on individual or cooperative efforts. This principle reflects Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance and his belief in promoting small-scale, local industries to ensure economic independence for rural communities.

• Self-Sufficiency and Employment: Gandhi advocated for the promotion of local industries to ensure that rural populations could produce their own goods and services, reducing their dependence on external forces and creating employment opportunities.
• Economic Empowerment: This article encourages the growth of industries that are labour-intensive and suited for rural economies, promoting economic sustainability and reducing the migration of rural populations to cities in search of work.

Article 43B: Promotion of Cooperatives

Article 43B, introduced by the 97th Amendment (2011), encourages the promotion of cooperative societies. Gandhi viewed cooperatives as a tool for empowering local communities, ensuring that people, especially those in rural areas, could collectively manage resources and improve their economic status.

• Collective Empowerment: The promotion of cooperatives is an effort to foster collective economic activity, enabling communities to manage resources in a way that benefits all members.
• Economic Justice: This principle is grounded in Gandhi’s vision of economic justice, where the wealth generated from economic activity is equitably distributed among all members of society, especially the disadvantaged.

Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests of Weaker Sections

Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections of society. This principle underscores Gandhi’s commitment to social justice, ensuring that the marginalised are provided with opportunities for education and economic advancement.

• Protection from Exploitation: Gandhi’s vision was to uplift the most marginalised sections of society and protect them from exploitation and social injustice.
• Focus on Education and Empowerment: This article calls for affirmative action to ensure that SCs, STs, and other vulnerable groups are given equal access to education, healthcare, and economic resources.

Article 47: Improvement of Public Health

Article 47 directs the State to work towards raising the level of nutrition and public health of the people. Gandhi viewed the improvement of public health as a key part of his philosophy of social well-being. This article aims to create conditions where all citizens have access to proper healthcare and nutrition, which are essential for leading a healthy and fulfilling life.

• Social Welfare: Public health, for Gandhi, was not just about treating diseases but also about creating an environment where individuals could lead healthy lives.
• Prevention of Harmful Practices: Article 47 also advocates for the prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs, promoting healthier lifestyles for the population.

Article 48: Organisation of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry on Modern Scientific Lines

Article 48 calls for the organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry using modern scientific methods. Gandhi’s agrarian vision centred around self-sufficiency and the sustainable use of natural resources. He believed in integrating modern agricultural techniques with traditional knowledge to ensure the well-being of rural populations.

• Sustainable Agriculture: This article aligns with Gandhi’s focus on sustainable farming practices, aiming to ensure that agriculture is not only productive but also environmentally sustainable.
• Animal Welfare: Gandhi’s advocacy for the protection of animals is also reflected here, with this article promoting the welfare of animals and their role in rural economies.

The Gandhian Vision of Social Justice

The Gandhian principles within the DPSP reflect a deep commitment to social justice, with a particular focus on:

• Equality of all citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion.
• Empowerment of the weak, especially those who have been historically marginalised.
• Environmental sustainability, ensuring that natural resources are protected for future generations.

By focusing on the upliftment of the disadvantaged and promoting economic equality, these principles seek to create a society where everyone, especially the poor and the vulnerable, has access to the resources necessary for a dignified life.

Influence of Gandhian Principles on Indian Laws and Policies

The Gandhian principles of the DPSP have influenced several laws and policies aimed at achieving social justice and rural development. Some notable examples include:

• The Panchayati Raj System: The 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution (1992) established a constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), empowering local self-governments in rural and urban areas. This was in line with Article 40 on village self-rule.
• Promotion of Cooperative Societies: The Cooperative Societies Act and the promotion of cooperatives in rural areas reflect Article 43B, aimed at economic empowerment through collective effort.
• Affirmative Action Laws: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989) and various other laws aimed at the upliftment of SCs and STs reflect the provisions of Article 46 and are inspired by Gandhian principles of protecting the oppressed.
• Public Health Initiatives: The National Health Policy and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are consistent with Article 47, which advocates for the improvement of public health.

Challenges in Implementing Gandhian Principles

While the Gandhian principles have had a significant influence on India’s legal and policy framework, there are challenges in their full implementation:

• Political Will: Some Gandhian principles, such as the Uniform Civil Code, have faced resistance due to political and religious factors. Implementing a uniform code across diverse communities is a contentious issue.
• Economic Disparities: Despite laws aimed at uplifting the economically disadvantaged, economic inequality remains a persistent issue. The implementation of Gandhian principles of economic justice often faces obstacles due to the socio-economic structure of society.
• Rural Development: While there have been efforts to promote rural development and village self-rule, rural areas still face challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The Gandhian principles of the Directive Principles of State Policy play a vital role in shaping India’s governance, focusing on social justice, equality, and rural empowerment. These principles reflect Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant and inclusive society, where the State is responsible for the welfare of its citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable.

While the Gandhian principles have influenced laws, policies, and social welfare programs, their full implementation faces challenges. However, they continue to serve as a moral compass for the government, guiding its efforts to build a just, equitable, and sustainable society.