Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization.

Relevance of DPSPs in an Era of Liberalization and Globalization

Despite the shift towards a market-oriented economy, the DPSPs continue to hold significant relevance, acting as guiding principles for legislation and policy formulation. Their relevance can be examined through several lenses:

1. Social Justice and Equity (Articles 38, 39, 41)

• Addressing Inequality: Liberalization, while fostering economic growth, has often exacerbated income inequality. DPSPs like Article 39(c) – ensuring equal pay for equal work – remain crucial in advocating for policies that reduce this disparity. Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) (2005) can be seen as an attempt to operationalize this principle.
• Vulnerable Sections: Globalization can lead to job displacement and vulnerability for certain sectors. Article 41, concerning the right to work, education, and public assistance, underscores the state’s responsibility to protect these vulnerable groups through social security measures and skill development programs.

2. Economic Democracy and Resource Distribution (Articles 39, 43, 48)

• Minimum Wage & Living Standards: Article 43 emphasizes securing a decent standard of living for all workers. This is particularly relevant in the context of globalization, where competition can drive down wages. The push for a national minimum wage reflects an attempt to implement this DPSP.
• Agricultural Reforms: Article 48 aims to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. This is crucial in a globalized agricultural market, where Indian farmers need support to compete effectively and ensure food security.
• Cottage Industries: Article 43 promotes cottage industries. While globalization presents challenges to these industries, the emphasis on ‘Make in India’ and supporting MSMEs can be seen as an attempt to revitalize them, aligning with the DPSP.

3. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (Articles 48A, 51A(g))

• Sustainable Growth: Globalization often leads to increased consumption and environmental degradation. Article 48A, added in 1976, mandates the state to protect and improve the environment. This is increasingly important in the face of climate change and the need for sustainable development.
• Environmental Regulations: Stringent environmental regulations, though sometimes perceived as barriers to investment, are essential to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of globalization.

4. Promoting International Peace and Security (Article 51)

• Global Cooperation: Article 51 promotes international peace and security. In a globalized world, India’s role in international forums and its commitment to multilateralism are crucial for addressing global challenges like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics.

5. Judicial Interpretation and Policy Influence

While non-justiciable, the DPSPs have influenced judicial interpretations of fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has often used the DPSPs to expand the scope of fundamental rights, particularly in cases related to social and economic justice. For example, in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Court held that Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) encompasses a dignified life, drawing inspiration from the DPSPs.

DPSP Article	Relevance in Liberalization/Globalization	Example of Implementation/Policy
Article 38	Promoting social order for welfare of the people; reducing inequalities.	MGNREGA, National Food Security Act
Article 39	Equal pay for equal work; ensuring livelihood for all.	Minimum Wage legislation, Skill India Mission
Article 41	Right to work, education, and public assistance.	National Education Policy 2020, Social Security Schemes
Article 48A	Protection and improvement of the environment.	National Clean Air Programme, Forest Conservation Act