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8. Implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy

Since the commencement of the constitution, there have been substantial legislations to

implement the DPSP’s. Some of those are listed below –

First constitutional amendment was for implementing land reforms. It was followed by 4th, 17th, 25th, 42nd, and 44th amendment acts (Article 39).

The 73rd amendment to the constitution was done in pursuit of implementing the article 40.

Right to work has been made a legal right under MGNREGA. National Social Assistance Program of government of India is another step in implementing the directives under Article 41.

The Minimum Wages Act (1948), Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act (1986) etc. seeks to protect the interests of the workers. Similarly the Maternity Benefit Act (1961) and Equal Remuneration Act (1976) have been implemented to protect the interests of women workers. Handloom Board, Handicrafts Board, Coir Board, Silk Board have been set up for the development of cottage industries. These are some steps towards implementation of Article 42 and 43.

86th amendment act 2002 makes provisions for early childhood care and education (Article 45).

The policy of preferential treatment to weaker sections including women, SCs, STs, OBCs, has been a consistent plank of the government welfare policies. One important step in this regard has been implementation of Mandal Commission’s recommendation in pursuit of Article 46. The 93rd Amendment Act 2006 is another step in the same direction.

Integrated Rural Development Programme (1978), Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (1989), Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (1999), Sampoorna Gram Rozgar Yojana (2001), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programmes (2006) etc have been implemented to improve the living standard of the people.

Regarding Article 48, the green revolution and the research in biotechnology are aimed at modernizing agriculture and animal husbandry, among other things.

The National Forest Policy (1988) aims at the protection, conservation and development of forests. The Environment Protection Act, 1986; The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; are also some important steps towards fulfilling directives under Article 48A.

The Archaeological Survey of India is charged with the work of protection of the monuments like Taj Mahal.

Separation of judiciary from executive has been completed by amending the CrPC, in 1973.

The efforts of India to secure international peace are many like participating in the peacekeeping missions through the UN. India also pioneered the Non-Aligned movement to defuse cold war after the Second World War.

A number of programmes like Save the Tiger, project Rhino, elephant, etc. are being implemented in pursuance of the directive principle which relates to protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.