Understanding Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in India

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are guidelines or principles given to the central and state governments of India to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. These principles are enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution of India, from Article 36 to Article 51. While not legally enforceable by courts, they are fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

The DPSPs can be broadly classified into three categories based on their ideological sources:

• Socialist Principles
• Gandhian Principles
• Liberal-Intellectual Principles

We are asked to identify a Gandhian principle among the given options. Gandhian principles in the DPSPs reflect the program for reconstruction enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi during the national movement. They are based on Gandhi's ideas of rural self-governance, promotion of cottage industries, upliftment of weaker sections, prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs, and the protection of cattle.

Analyzing the Options for Gandhian Principle

Let's examine each option to determine which one aligns with Gandhian principles:

• Option 1: To Separate judiciary from executive
  This principle is mentioned in Article 50 of the Constitution. It aims at separating the judicial powers from the executive powers in public services of the State. This principle is generally classified under Liberal-Intellectual principles, focusing on the structure and functioning of the state apparatus based on modern administrative ideas, rather than Gandhian philosophy.
• Option 2: To organise village panchayat
  This principle is mentioned in Article 40 of the Constitution. It states that the State shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. Mahatma Gandhi was a strong proponent of 'Gram Swaraj' or village self-rule, believing that the strength of India lay in its villages and that they should be empowered to govern themselves. Therefore, the organisation of village panchayats is a direct reflection of Gandhian thought.
• Option 3: To secure uniform civil code
  This principle is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution. It states that the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. This principle aims at achieving national integration and equality by having common personal laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion. This is typically classified under Liberal-Intellectual principles, focusing on modern, secular legal frameworks.
• Option 4: To provide equal pay for equal work
  This principle is mentioned in Article 39(d) of the Constitution. It states that the State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women. This principle is primarily aimed at achieving social and economic equality and is classified under Socialist principles.

Identifying the Correct Gandhian Principle

Based on the analysis, the principle "To organise village panchayat" is the one that most closely aligns with Mahatma Gandhi's vision and is explicitly classified as a Gandhian principle in the context of DPSPs.

Therefore, among the given options, organising village panchayats is the Gandhian principle.

Revision Table: Gandhian Principle in DPSPs

Additional Information: Types of DPSPs and Their Objectives

The different categories of DPSPs serve distinct purposes reflecting the various aspirations and ideologies that shaped the Indian Constitution:

• Socialist Principles: These principles aim at providing social and economic justice and paving the path towards a welfare state. They direct the state to ensure adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work, protection of workers, children, and the disabled, equitable distribution of material resources, and prevention of concentration of wealth.
• Gandhian Principles: These principles reflect the reconstruction programme advocated by Gandhi. They include organizing village panchayats, promoting cottage industries, prohibiting intoxicating drinks and drugs, prohibiting slaughter of cows and calves, and promoting educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
• Liberal-Intellectual Principles: These principles are based on the ideology of liberalism and aim at providing a modern and progressive framework for the state. They include securing a uniform civil code, providing early childhood care and education for children below six years, organizing agriculture and animal husbandry on modern lines, protecting monuments, separating the judiciary from the executive, and promoting international peace and security.

Understanding these classifications helps in appreciating the diverse sources and broad scope of the Directive Principles of State Policy in guiding the governance of India towards achieving social, economic, and political justice.