Study Matrix

Fundamental Rights

Directive Principles of State Policy

Justiciable rights guaranteed to all citizens to protect their rights and ensure national progress.

Non-justiciable guidelines that central, state, and local governments are expected to follow for public welfare.

Justiciable (if citizens are deprived of these rights, they can go to a court of law to seek protection and enforcement).

Non-justiciable (citizens cannot go to a court of law to seek justice if these principles are not met, such as not getting a job).

Not mentioned in text

Inspired by the Constitution of Ireland, Gandhian Principles, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Right to Education Act of 2009 (Article 21A), making free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 a Fundamental Right.

Laws securing equal pay for men and women, land distribution for poor landless farmers, and various employment schemes.

Principles Promoting Economic Equality

Gandhian Principles

General Principles

To enact laws that secure basic economic justice, livelihoods, and fair distribution of resources.

To implement social and economic development plans envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement.

To direct the government on matters of international relations, justice, national heritage, and the environment.

Fair and equitable distribution of wealth and material resourcesAdequate means of livelihood for allEqual pay for equal work (for both men and women)Right to work to prevent unemploymentAssistance for the elderly, sick, disabled, and unemployedA living wage to buy basic necessitiesDecent standard of living and leisureProtection of children and youth from exploitation

Free and compulsory education up to age 14Promotion of cottage industries in villagesProhibiting the slaughter of cattle and modernizing agriculture/animal husbandryPromoting interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sectionsImproving public health and nutrition levelsPreventing consumption of intoxicating drinks and harmful drugsEstablishing village panchayats

Promoting international peace and securityMaintaining just and honorable relations with other countriesProviding free legal aid to needy citizensProtecting the environment, forests, and wildlifeProtecting national monuments and places/objects of national importance

Ideal Welfare State

India’s Economic Reality in 1949

Guaranteed equitable and fair distribution of wealth.

Exploited and systematically drained of wealth by 200 years of British economic policies.

Citizens are guaranteed a healthy standard of living.

Reduced to a vast economic wasteland where a healthy standard of living could not yet be guaranteed.

Guarantees full employment and the right to work.

Not mentioned in text

Every citizen enjoys social and economic justice alongside equal opportunities.

Not mentioned in text

Welfare of the citizens is the direct responsibility of the state.

The government could not fulfill the dream of a welfare state immediately and instead laid down Directive Principles as guidelines for future governments.

Before the Right to Education Act of 2009

After the Right to Education Act of 2009

Directive Principle of State Policy (originally under Article 45).

Fundamental Right (under Article 21A).

Non-justiciable (could not be enforced in a court of law).

Justiciable (legally enforceable in a court of law).

All children up to the age of 14 years.

All children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.

Ancient Concept of a Welfare State

Modern Concept of a Welfare State

Various kings in Indian history (e.g., King Ashoka).

Central, state, and local governments.

Not mentioned in text

Providing free and compulsory education for childrenImplementing welfare schemes for SC, ST, and weaker sectionsEnacting laws for equal pay and land distributionProtecting forests, wildlife, and the environmentLaunching employment schemes