Notes Class 7 Chapter 6 Civics Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 7

Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties

1. Introduction

• In previous chapters, we studied Fundamental Rights which ensure justice, equality, and freedom for citizens.
• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) guide the government in making laws and policies to achieve the goals stated in the Preamble.
• Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the country.

2. Restrictions on Government Power

The Constitution places certain restrictions on the government:

1. No discrimination: The government cannot discriminate based on caste, religion, race, language, or sex.
2. Equality before the law: Every citizen is equal in the eyes of the law.
3. Right to life: No one shall be deprived of life without legal justification.
4. No religious taxes: The State cannot impose special taxes based on religion.

3. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

3.1 What are Directive Principles?

• These are guidelines for the government to frame policies for the welfare of citizens.
• They are not legally enforceable like Fundamental Rights but serve as moral obligations for the State.
• The goal is to eradicate poverty, backwardness, and illiteracy and create a developed and progressive nation.

3.2 Important Directive Principles

1. Equal livelihood: The State should provide adequate means of livelihood without gender discrimination.
2. Equal pay for equal work: Men and women should get equal wages for the same work.
3. Public health improvement: The government should implement schemes for better healthcare.
4. Environmental protection: Safeguarding forests, wildlife, and maintaining a clean environment.
5. Protection of historical monuments: Preserving sites of historical and national importance.
6. Welfare of weaker sections: Special care for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
7. Support for needy citizens: Public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability.
8. Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A common set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion.

4. Relationship between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights

• Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are two sides of the same coin.
• Fundamental Rights ensure liberty and freedom to individuals.
• Directive Principles create a system for social and economic justice to help citizens enjoy these rights.
• Although Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts, citizens can pressure the government to implement them.

5. Fundamental Duties

5.1 Why were Fundamental Duties introduced?

• Citizens must fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the success of government policies.
• The government alone cannot achieve development without the cooperation of citizens.

5.2 List of Fundamental Duties

Every citizen must:

1. Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
2. Follow ideals of the freedom struggle.
3. Protect the unity and integrity of the country.
4. Defend the country when necessary.
5. Promote harmony and respect for women.
6. Preserve and value India’s cultural heritage.
7. Protect the environment and show compassion for animals.
8. Develop a scientific approach and encourage reform.
9. Safeguard public property and avoid violence.
10. Strive for excellence in all personal and national activities.
11. Ensure education for children aged 6-14 years.

6. Responsibilities of Citizens

• Keeping public places clean: Proper waste disposal and participation in cleanliness drives.
• Using public facilities responsibly: Schools, hospitals, parks, and transport should be maintained properly.
• Participating in democratic activities: Voting, awareness campaigns, and active citizenship.
• Avoiding pollution: Not throwing waste in rivers and controlling noise pollution during festivals.

7. Conservation of the Environment

Citizens can help protect the environment by:

1. Reducing pollution: Proper waste disposal, recycling, and minimizing plastic use.
2. Saving water and energy: Using resources efficiently and promoting renewable energy.
3. Protecting forests and wildlife: Participating in afforestation programs and preventing deforestation.
4. Avoiding harm to public property: Not damaging or defacing historical monuments.
5. Spreading awareness: Educating others about environmental conservation.

8. Conclusion

• Fundamental Rights protect individual freedoms, while Directive Principles ensure the overall welfare of society.
• Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibility towards the nation.
• If all citizens follow their duties, India can progress towards a better and more prosperous future.