Question

Do you agree with the statement that “it is not clear why in a poor developing country, certain basic socio-economic rights were relegated to the section on Directive Principles rather than made an integral feature of our fundamental rights”? Give reasons for your answer. What do you think are the possible reasons for putting socio-economic rights in the section of Directive Principles?

Answer 1

Any answer supported with an argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, one sample solution has been provided for your reference:

It is correct that basic socio-economic rights were relegated to directive principles. These rights should have been incorporated particularly for backward classes in the same manner as the cultural rights of minorities. A developing country like India requires the fulfillment of the potential of human resources. For this reason, it is essential that the socio-economic requirements of all sections of society are met and all groups have equal opportunities.

The possible reason for putting socio-economic rights in the section of Directive Principles was the lack of adequate resources in a newly independent nation. Making socio-economic rights a feature of fundamental rights would have placed a burden on the state. Besides, the economic development path of the newly independent country was already concerned with planned development whose benefits were to be made available to all sections of the society.