Socialistic principles
Topic: Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Socialistic principles are the Directive Principles that aim at economic justice and a welfare state, meaning a State that actively works for people's well-being. They cover:
- Art. 38: a social order based on justice, and fewer inequalities.
- Art. 39: adequate livelihood, fair sharing of resources, equal pay, and protection from exploitation.
- Art. 39A: equal justice and free legal aid.
- Art. 41: the right to work, education and public assistance.
- Art. 42: just and humane working conditions and maternity relief.
- Art. 43: a living wage.
- Art. 43A: workers' participation in management.
This "socialistic" label comes from the conventional grouping of directives, not from NCERT.
Example
The Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, which gives free legal aid, carries out Art. 39A. The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 (26 weeks' leave since 2017) carries out Art. 42.
Don't confuse with
- Gandhian principles: these reflect Gandhi's village-based programme, such as panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition and protecting cattle. Art. 43 is split between the two groups: the living wage is socialistic, while cottage industries are Gandhian.
Related concepts
- Social order based on justice
- Equitable distribution of material resources
- Adequate means of livelihood
- Equal pay for equal work
- Protection against economic exploitation
- Right to work, education and public assistance
- Living wage
- Workers' participation in management