Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is mentioned in articles 36 to 51 under Part-IV of the Indian Constitution. DPSP has been taken from the constitution of Ireland. And Ireland had taken aspects from the Spanish Constitution.

We have classified DPSP into three categories:

• Socialistic Principles

  • The values that strive to provide social and economic justice and set the path to the welfare of state.
  • Article 38, 39, 39 A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47 are included in it.

• Gandhian Principles
  

  • These values are based on Gandhian philosophy used to reflect the reconstruction program Gandhi enunciated during the national revolution.
  • Article 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48 are included in this principle.

• Liberal-Intellectual Principles

  • This principle is totally based on the ideology of liberalism.
  • Article 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51 are included in it.

To strengthen societal morality as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) state imposes prohibition.

But the weaker section of society, lacking in capacity to respond to changing externalities, are affected the most. Hence such prohibitions are discriminatory to them as can be seen in the following instances –

• Dance Bar ban – Imposed in Maharashtra pushed bar girls out of their
  job. Some with no alternative were pushed into prostitution.
• Beef Ban – Recently imposed in Maharashtra affected lakhs of poor in the supply chain.
• Alcohol ban – In certain states again hits poor as over the counter sale is done by them.

Prohibitions are not planned well to provide alternatives to poor for livelihood. They are ad hoc and done most of the time politically motivated. This increases vulnerability of the poor.

However prohibiting alcohol benefit women and increases their safety at home in public places. In fact demand to ban alcohol emanates from poor women groups.

DPSP must be balanced with right to life under article 21 of the constitution. The state has the responsibility to develop a value-laden society but also must endeavor to fulfill everyone’s right to livelihood.