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 the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities.
Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?
- A.1, 2 and 4 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
The Gandhian principles, also known as the socialist principles, in the Directive Principles of State Policy reflect Mahatma Gandhi's views on social and economic justice. Organising village panchayats (Article 40) and promoting cottage industries (Article 43) align with Gandhi's vision of empowering rural India and decentralising economic power. While a uniform civil code (Article 44) is a DPSP, it falls under the liberal-intellectual category. Securing leisure and cultural opportunities for workers (Article 43) is also a socialist principle, but the question specifically asks for Gandhian principles, and village industries and panchayats are more distinctly associated with Gandhi's core philosophy.
Source: UPSC gs1 2012