Document from Malathi

Directive Principles of State Policy

  • Overview

    • Guidelines for the central and state governments in India.

    • Found in Part IV of the Constitution of India.

    • Not enforceable by courts but fundamental for governance.

    • Inspired by the Irish Constitution, Gandhism, and international declarations.

  • Objectives

    • Obtain social and economic conditions for citizens to lead a good life.

    • Establish social and economic democracy through a welfare state.

    • Serve as a check on the government.

Types of Directive Principles

  1. Socialistic Principles

  2. Gandhian Principles

  3. Liberal Principles

  4. General / Miscellaneous Principles

Key Principles of State Policy

  • Welfare of the People (Article 38)

    • Strives to promote welfare through social order ensuring justice.

    • Minimizes income inequality and eliminates status disparities among groups.

  • Economic Rights (Article 39)

    • Rights to adequate livelihood and equitable distribution of resources.

    • Equal pay for equal work, and protection of worker health.

    • Healthy development opportunities for children.

  • Legal Aid (Article 39A)

    • Ensures that opportunities for securing justice are accessible.

Local Self-Government

  • Village Panchayats (Article 40)

    • Steps to organize and empower local governing bodies.

Economic Provisions

  • Right to Work and Education (Article 41)

    • Ensures provisions for work, education, and public assistance.

  • Maternity Relief and Work Conditions (Article 42)

    • Secures humane working conditions and maternity relief.

  • Living Wage for Workers (Article 43)

    • Ensures that all workers receive a living wage and decent working conditions.

Protection of Weaker Sections

  • Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Article 46)

    • Promotion of educational and economic interests for weaker sections and protection against injustice.

Environmental and Cultural Provisions

  • Environment Protection (Article 48A)

    • Endeavors to safeguard and improve the environment.

  • Cultural Heritage (Article 49)

    • Obligation to protect monuments and places of national importance.

Judiciary Provisions

  • Separation of Judicial Powers (Article 50)

    • Obligation to separate the judiciary from the executive.

Fundamental Duties

  • Overview (Article 51A)

    • Introduced by the 42nd Amendment (1976).

    • Duties include respecting the Constitution, promoting harmony, protecting the environment, and others.

  • Education Duty

    • Added by the 86th Amendment (2002) for ensuring education to children from 6 to 14 years old.

The Union Executive: President of India

  • Overview (Article 52)

    • There shall be a President of India.

  • Executive Power (Article 53)

    • Vested in the President, exercised directly or through subordinates.

  • Election (Article 54)

    • Elected by an electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and State Assemblies.

President's Term and Conditions

  • Term of Office (Article 56)

    • Holds office for five years; may resign or be impeached.

  • Qualifications (Article 58)

    • Must be a citizen, aged 35 or older, and qualified as a member of Parliament.

  • Oath of Office (Article 60)

    • Must take an oath before entering office.

Vice-President of India

  • Overview (Article 63)

    • There shall be a Vice-President who acts as Chairman of the Council of States.

  • Election (Article 66)

    • Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament.

  • Term of Office (Article 67)

    • Holds office for five years; can resign and be removed.

Council of Ministers

  • Role (Article 74)

    • Aids and advises the President in the exercise of functions.

  • Prime Minister's Role

    • Leader of majority in Lok Sabha, selects ministers, coordinates government policies.

Parliament Structure

  • Lok Sabha

    • Directly elected lower house, consisting of 545 members, five-year terms.

    • Membership qualifications include age, citizenship, and sound mental state.

    • Sessions consist of Question Hour and can include joint sittings to resolve conflicts with Rajya Sabha.

  • Rajya Sabha

    • The upper house with 250 total members, with terms of six years.

    • Members include elected and nominated for expertise.

    • Continuous session; does not face dissolution like Lok Sabha.

Legislative Process

  • Money Bills Handling

    • Lok Sabha has ultimate authority over money bills; Rajya Sabha can only recommend.

  • Joint Sessions

    • Held to resolve conflicts, typically favoring Lok Sabha due to its larger membership.