Which of the following is a Directive Principle of State Policy mentioned in the Indian Constitution? 

The correct answer is Provision for a uniform civil code.

Key Points

• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, from Articles 36 to 51.
• Article 44 of the Indian Constitution specifically mentions the provision for a uniform civil code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
• The objective of a uniform civil code is to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen.
• Uniform civil code seeks to provide equal status to all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, or community.
• It aims to promote national integration and ensure gender equality by eliminating discrepancies in personal laws.

Additional Information

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
  • DPSP are guidelines for the framing of laws by the government, aimed at creating social and economic conditions under which citizens can lead a good life.
  • They are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation.
  • The purpose of DPSP is to establish a welfare state by securing social and economic democracy.
  • They cover a wide range of topics, including social justice, economic welfare, foreign policy, and legal and administrative matters.
• Articles in Part IV
  • Article 36: Defines the term "State" as used in the DPSP.
  • Article 37: States that DPSP are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to apply these principles in making laws.
  • Article 38: Promotes welfare of the people by securing a social order through justice—social, economic, and political.
  • Article 39: Provides certain principles of policy to be followed by the state, such as equal right to an adequate means of livelihood and equal pay for equal work for men and women.
• Historical Background
  • The concept of DPSP was borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
  • These principles were incorporated into the Indian Constitution to ensure that the state works towards the welfare of the people.
  • They were inspired by the Directive Principles of Social Policy in Ireland, which were in turn inspired by the Spanish Constitution.
• Key Objectives
  • To establish a just society by ensuring social and economic democracy.
  • To promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order based on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  • To reduce inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.
  • To ensure that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.