6. Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Seven History and Civics.
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Exercise
Fundamental rights put specific restrictions on the power of the government. A few such restrictions upon the State are:
- State shall not discriminate between and among citizens on the basis of caste, religion, race, language or sex.
- State shall not deny anybody equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
- No person shall be deprived of his life.
- State shall not impose any religious taxes.
(1) The jobs advertised in the newspaper are for men and women both.
Yes (This aligns with the directive to secure adequate means of livelihood to all citizens without gender discrimination).
(2) Men and women doing the same work in a factory get different wages.
No (This violates the directive that the State should secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women).
(3) Government implements various schemes for the improvement of public health.
Yes (This follows the directive that the State should secure the improvement of public health).
(4) The State shall protect all monuments of historic interest and national importance.
Yes (This is an explicit Directive Principle of State Policy).
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(1) The State shall protect all monuments of historic interest.
The State protects monuments of historic interest and national importance because it is our duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. Protecting these monuments ensures that our history and cultural identity are preserved for future generations.
(2) A pension scheme is implemented for old people.
A pension scheme is implemented because the Directive Principles of State Policy state that the State shall offer public assistance to citizens in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, etc.. This ensures the welfare and survival of elderly citizens who can no longer earn a livelihood.
(3) Free and compulsory education has been made available to children in the age group 6 to 14.
Free and compulsory education is made available to eradicate illiteracy and because it is a fundamental duty of every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child between the age of six and fourteen years. It ensures the development and progress of the entire nation.
(1) Not to let the National Flag fall down on the ground.
Right (It is a Fundamental Duty to abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag).
(2) To stand at attention while the National Anthem is playing.
Right (It is a Fundamental Duty to respect the National Anthem).
(3) To carve or paint our names on the walls of a historic place like a fort.
Wrong. Correction: We must not carve or paint our names on historic walls; instead, we should safeguard public property and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
(4) To give lesser wages to women than to men for the same work.
Wrong. Correction: Men and women should get equal wages for the same work.
(5) To keep public places clean.
Right (People need to change habits that make public places dirty to fulfil their Fundamental Duties).
(1) The Directive Principles of the Constitution enumerated in the textbook.
The textbook enumerates several important Directive Principles of State Policy aimed at people's welfare. These include securing adequate means of livelihood without gender discrimination, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and improving public health. The State is also directed to protect and improve the environment, safeguard forests and wildlife, and protect historical monuments. Additionally, the State must promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections (especially Scheduled Castes and Tribes), offer public assistance in cases of old age or sickness, and secure a uniform civil code for the entire country.
(2) The provision of a uniform civil code for citizens in the Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution.
One of the important Directive Principles of State Policy specifies that the State shall secure a uniform civil code applicable to the entire country. This means the State should strive to implement a common set of civil laws governing personal matters (like marriage, divorce, and inheritance) equally for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, thereby promoting equality and national integration.
(3) Why is it said that the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights are two sides of the same coin?
It is said that Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights are two sides of the same coin because they complement each other in establishing a true democracy. Due to Fundamental Rights, citizens get the most needed liberty, while Directive Principles of State Policy create an atmosphere conducive to the growth of democracy by focusing on social and economic welfare. Together, they transform the country into a developed and progressive nation.
The Constitution lists it as a fundamental duty for citizens "to protect and improve the natural environment, and to have compassion for living creatures". Citizens can actively conserve the environment in several practical ways. For example, individuals can plant more trees in their neighborhoods and ensure they are watered regularly to improve green cover.
Citizens can also reduce pollution by properly managing waste, such as separating wet and dry garbage, and strictly avoiding the use of single-use plastics. By using public transport or carpooling, people can reduce harmful vehicular emissions. Additionally, avoiding the dumping of waste or chemicals into rivers and lakes helps preserve water bodies and aquatic life.
The Activities (discussing duties related to the right to education, making a chart on the conservation of forts, and gathering information on children's health schemes) are group discussions and research projects. Students should collaborate with their teachers and classmates to find this information and create their charts.