Gandhian Principles

These principles are based on Gandhian ideology. They represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Gandhi during the national movement. In order to fulfil the dreams of Gandhi, some of his ideas were included as Directive Principles. They require the State:

1. To organise village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers and authority to enable them to function as units of self-government (Article 40).

2. To promote cottage industries on an individual or co- operation basis in rural areas (Article 43).

3. To promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies8a (Article 43B).

4. To promote the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections of the society and to protect them from social injustice and exploitation (Article 46).

5. To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health (Article 47).

6. To prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle and to improve their breeds (Article 48).