The directive principles of state policy : 

Our constitution has decided some fundamental elements, according to which the states have to decide their policies. These fundamental elements are called directive principles of state policy. In other words, the directive principles of state policy means those orders which indicate what should be the policies of the states. These elements provide such facilities to the citizens which are essential for overall development of the citizens. Directive principle are the ideas which have been included in the constitutions as the guide for the future governments. Dr Rajendra Prasad said, “The directive principles of state policy are like the code of conduct before the Executive and the Legislature.”

These principles or elements may be divided into the following categories : 

1. Directive principles and economic security 

2. Directive principles and social security education 

3. Directive principles and panchayati raj, ancient heritage, sites and justice. 

4. Directive principles and international peace and security.

Difference between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights : 

• On the basis of area : 

The fundamental rights sire related to the people living in that country while directive principle are related to international level too. Hence in comparison to the fundamental rights, the area of directive principles is more extensive.

• On the basis of objectives : 

The fundamental rights given to the citizens, establish political democracy but the objective of the directive principles is to establish economic democracy so that the political democracy can be made successful. 

• On the basis of form : 

The form of fundamental rights is prohibitive while the directive principles are positive. 

•  On other basis : 

1. The fundamental rights are related to an individual while the directive principle are related to society. 

2. The citizens enjoy fundamental rights while the directive principles couldn’t have been given complete practical form yet. 

3. The fundamental rights are justiceable while the directive principles are not. 

4. The fundamental rights are the indicator of political democracy while the directive principles are indicator of social and economic indicator.