Question

The purpose of Directive Principles of State Policy is to _____
A. Lay down positive instructions which would guide State Policy at all levels
B. Implement Gandhi's idea for a decentralized state
C. Check the use of arbitrary powers by the government
D. Promote welfare of the backward sections of the society

Answer 1

Hint: The government needs to consider the DPSP while passing new bills or laws. These are non-justiciable rights of the citizens of India.

Complete answer:
Directive Principle of State Policy or DPSP are a set of 15 guidelines given to the governing institutes of the Union of the State of India. These guidelines have to be kept in mind while framing laws, passing bills etc. The guidelines written in the Constitution of India have been inspired by guidelines given in the Directive Principles of the Constitution of Ireland.
The DPSP is written in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. They include Articles 36 to 51. The DPSP are classified into 3 types depending on their directions and content. They are;
Socialistic Principles – Article 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 and 47 are the socialistic principles and they aim at providing social and economic justice.
Gandhian Principles – Articles 40, 43, 46, 47 and 48 are the Gandhian principles and they are based on Gandhi’s ideologies and aims at reconstruction of the nation as Gandhi did during the National Movements.
Liberal or Intellectual Principles – Article 44, 45, 48, 49, 50 and 51 are the liberal principles reflecting the ideology of liberalism.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) Lay down positive instructions which would guide State Policy at all levels.

Note:The DPSP are very similar to the fundamental rights. They both work towards the welfare of the society.
They both aim at preserving the rights of the citizens of India.
The difference is that DPSP are guidelines and they are non-justiciable, whereas the Fundamental Rights are justiciable and can be challenged at the Supreme Court.