In this article, we will discuss New Directive Principles of State Policy. So, let’s get started.
New Directive Principles of State Policy
- The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added four new Directive Principles to the original list. They require the State:
- To secure opportunities for healthy development of children (Article 39).
- To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor (Article 39 A).
- To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries (Article 43 A).
- To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48 A).
- The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 added one more Directive Principles, which requires the State to minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities (Article 38).
- The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 changed the subject -matter of Article 45 and made elementary education a fundamental right under Article 21 A. The amended directive requires the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
- The 97th Amendment Act of 2011 added a new Directive Principle relating to cooperative societies. It requires the state to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of co-operative societies (Article 43B).
