Dalvoy Logo
Dalvoy
UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IIIndian PolityPractice question

Directives to the State Outside Part IV

Besides the Directives contained in Part IV, there are certain other Directives addressed to the State in other parts of the Constitution. What are they?

What are they~250 words2 min readmedium
Attempt it first, timed · optional

Write the answer on paper, as in the exam. Start the timer, keep to the word target.

00:00/ 11 min · 250 words

Done writing? Photograph the sheet and see how it scores against this model answer, with feedback on what to fix.

Upload your answer sheet

How to approach

Briefly introduce the constitutional scheme of Directives addressed to the State beyond Part IV. Enumerate each directive with its specific constitutional Article and Part, along with judicial interpretations or contemporary policy linkages. Conclude by highlighting their constitutional status and collective role in building a welfare state.

Model answer

366 words

Introduction

While Part IV of the Constitution contains the primary body of Directive Principles of State Policy, the framers embedded specific non-justiciable directives in other parts as well. These provisions guide the Union and State governments on critical matters such as affirmative action, administrative efficiency, and linguistic pluralism.

Directives Addressed to the State Outside Part IV

  • Claims of SCs and STs to Services (Article 335, Part XVI): Directs that the claims of members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or a State. In M. Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006), the Supreme Court ruled that Article 335 forms an overarching constitutional limitation to balance affirmative action under Article 16(4A) with administrative standards.
  • Instruction in Mother Tongue at Primary Stage (Article 350A, Part XVII): Inserted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act (1956), it directs every State and local authority to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups, empowering the President to issue necessary directions. This directive is operationalised through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes mother tongue instruction up to Grade 5.
  • Development of the Hindi Language (Article 351, Part XVII): Directs the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language and develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India, while drawing vocabulary primarily from Sanskrit and secondarily from other regional languages.

Constitutional Nature and Judicial Standing

Like the Directive Principles in Part IV, these directives are non-justiciable in a court of law, meaning their enforcement cannot be directly demanded via writs. Nevertheless, the judiciary accords them equal constitutional status and applies the Doctrine of Harmonious Construction to read them alongside Fundamental Rights to further public interest and governance goals.

Conclusion

These extra-Part IV directives complement the standard Directive Principles by reconciling equity with administrative capability and safeguarding India's rich linguistic diversity, thereby reinforcing the foundational goals of a cooperative and inclusive welfare state.

Key facts to remember

definition
Directives Outside Part IV

Non-justiciable constitutional obligations placed on Union and State authorities found outside the standard DPSP chapter, specifically Articles 335, 350A, and 351.

case study
M. Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006)

The Supreme Court validated constitutional amendments allowing reservations in promotions for SCs/STs, holding that Article 335 imposes a constitutional limitation requiring that efficiency in administration must not be compromised.

scheme
7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956

An amendment that restructured Indian states along linguistic lines and inserted Article 350A to mandate primary education in the mother tongue for linguistic minority children.

Frequently asked questions

Are directives outside Part IV justiciable in court?

No, like the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV, these directives are non-justiciable. However, the judiciary frequently considers them when interpreting the scope of Fundamental Rights.

← All questions on this topic (197)