UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 6 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Directive Principles Gandhian Provisions
Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India:
1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code.
2. Organising village Panchayats.
3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas.
4. Securing for all workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities.
Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only
Statements 2 and 3 are correct because village panchayats and cottage industries directly reflect Gandhian ideas of Gram Swaraj, Swadeshi and rural self-reliance.
Analysis
Directive Principles of State Policy are broadly classified as Socialistic, Gandhian and Liberal-Intellectual principles. Gandhian principles mainly focus on rural self-rule, village economy, self-reliance and social reform.
Statement by statement
Securing a Uniform Civil Code — Incorrect
Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 is a Liberal-Intellectual Directive Principle.
It aims at common personal laws for all citizens, but it is not part of the Gandhian programme of rural reconstruction.
Organising village panchayats — Correct
Article 40 directs the State to organise village panchayats.
This reflects Gandhi’s idea of Gram Swaraj, where villages function as units of self-government.
Promoting cottage industries in rural areas — Correct
Article 43 directs the State to promote cottage industries on an individual or cooperative basis in rural areas.
This is Gandhian because it supports Swadeshi, rural self-reliance and employment through small-scale production.
Securing leisure and cultural opportunities for workers — Incorrect
This is a Socialistic Directive Principle.
It focuses on welfare of workers, living wage, decent standard of life and social-cultural opportunities, not specifically on Gandhian rural reconstruction.
Extra UPSC info
Article 40: Organisation of village panchayats.
Article 43: Promotion of cottage industries in rural areas.
Article 43B: Promotion of cooperative societies.
Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and weaker sections.
Article 47: Prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.
Article 48: Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry, including prohibition of slaughter of cows and milch cattle.