Notes-Class-7-Civics-Chapter-6-Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties-Maharashtra Board

Directive Principles :

• Fundamental rights put restrictions on the power of the government.
• The Constitution has given express instructions to the State about what policies it should undertake.
• The Directive Principles are the guidelines issued by the Constitution makers to the Union and State Governments regarding how to achieve the objectives/goals stated in the Preamble.

Why were the Directives included ?

• The Directive Principles were included to promote welfare of people and to transform India into a developed and progressive nation.
• The Directive Principles are not binding on the governments but they are expected to implement these principles slowly and steadily while formulating policies.

Some important Directive Principles of State Policy  :

• To secure adequate means of livelihood to all citizens.
• To secure equal pay for equal work for men and women.
• To secure improvement in the public health.
• To protect and improve monuments of environment and wildlife.
• To promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, especially the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• To offer assistance to unemployed, senior citizens and in case of sickness, etc.
• To secure uniform civil code in the country.

Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are two sides of the same coin:

• Fundamental Rights ensure political democracy; whereas the Directive Principles pave the way for social and economic democracy.
• Political democracy is said to be incomplete without social and economic democracy.
• The Fundamental Rights provide to the citizens much needed freedom (liberty); whereas the Directive Principles are conducive to welfare State.
• The objective of a developed and progressive democracy can be achieved when these two go hand-in-hand.

Fundamental Duties :

• In order to make the Indian citizens aware of their responsibilities, Fundamental
• Duties were included in the Constitution.
• We should be vigilant about our rights and be willing to perform our duties-responsibilities.
• The benefits of Welfare schemes can reach everyone provided We perform our duties.

The constitution enlists fundamental duties of the citizens. Some of these are :

• To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and National Anthem.
• To defend the country and render national service.
• To protect and improve natural environment.
• To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
• To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
• To cherish the noble ideals of the freedom struggle.
• To protect, uphold sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To promote harmony, spirit of brotherhood and respect dignity of women.
• To develop scientific temper, spirit of inquiry and reform.
• To strive towards excellence so that the nation rises to higher levels of achievement.
• As a parent and guardian, should provide education to child between the age of 6 and 14.