Our constitution lays down some directives in the nature of moral guides to the state. These are non – enforceable. The idea of incorporating directives or ideals or goals in the constitution was borrowed from the Irish constitution. The directive principles are contained in part IV of the constitution, in Article 36 to 51.

Full list of the Directive Principles: 

Article 39: The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:

1. That the citizens, men, and women equally, have the right to an adequate means to livelihood. 

2. That the ownership and control of the material resources to be useful for the common good. 

3. That the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common determinant. 

4. That there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women. 

5. That the health and strength of the workers, men, and women, and the tender age of children are not used and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter vocations unsuitable to their age or strength. 

6. That children are given opportunities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.

Classification of Directives: The directive principles are embodied in Articles from 36 to 51. They cover a wide range of state activities concerning social, economic, legal, educational and International principles. They are classified into four categories, such as welfare, Gandhian, liberal and general principles.

Welfare Principles: These principle aims at the attainment of the welfare state. Article 38 provides that the state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of national life.

Article 39 provides that the state shall direct its policy towards securing that.

1. The citizens, men, and women equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood. 

2. The ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as to sub serve the common good. 

3. The operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment. 

4. There is equal pay for equal work for both men and women. 

5. The health and strength of workers, men, women, and children are not abused and that citizens are not forced to enter vocations unsuitable to their age. 

6. Childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and moral and mental abandonment.

Article 41 ensures that the right to work education and public assistance in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and other cases of undeserved want.

Article 42 provides that provisions shall be made by the state for securing just and human conditions of work and maternity relief.

Article 43 exhorts the state to secure to all workers – industrial, agricultural work, a living wage, conditions of work, decent standard of life, enjoyment of leisure, social and cultural opportunities.

Article 46 provides that the state shall take special care of the economic and educational interest of the weaker sections particularly of SC’s and ST’s and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.

Article 47 states that are made duty-bound to raise the level of nutrition, the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health.

Gandhian Principles: The Gandhian philosophy finds its expression in some of the articles mentioned in the 4^th part of the constitution. Such as :

1. To organize village Panchayats and endow them with such powers as may enable them to function as units of self government. 

2. To promote the educational and economic interests of SC’s ST’s and weaker sections of the people. 

3. To promote cottage industries on an individual and cooperative basis. 

4. To take steps for preventing and improving the breeds of milk and drought cattle, including cows and prohibition of slaughter of cows. 

5. Prohibition of consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injuries to health (except for medical purpose).

Liberal Principles: These principles are embedded in the following provisions.

1. To secure uniform civil code for the citizens throughout the territory of India. 

2. To provide free and compulsory education for the children up to the age of 14 years of age. 

3. To organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modem and scientific lines. 

4. To take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public service of the state. 

5. Article 49 provides that it is the obligation of the state to protect every historical monument or place for national interest.

General Principles:

1. The state shall promote international peace and security. 

2. To maintain just and honorable relations between nations. 

3. To foster respect for international law and treaty obligations. 

4. To encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitrations.

Criticism:

1. The directives have been subjected to serve criticisms. 

2. These principles are considered as mere platitudes without any practical use for the people. 

3. There is no immediate social and economic program for the people. 

4. These principles do not attract the people as they are silent and not inspiring. 

5. These principles are neither properly classified nor logically arranged. 

6. There is no legal force behind them. 

7. These principles are not legally enforceable.