Introduction: ‘‘We must make our ‘Political Democracy’ a ‘Social and Economic Democracy’ – Dr B.R. Ambedkar

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in the Indian Constitution (Articles 36–51) are non-justiciable guidelines directing the state to promote social, economic, and political justice through welfare, equitable resource distribution, and protections for marginalized groups. Had these principles been enforceable, they could have significantly transformed the economic life of people by mandating state accountability in implementing policies like equitable resource distribution, living wages, and welfare programs, potentially reducing poverty and inequality more effectively. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of state socialism in States and Minorities (1945), which influenced the DPSPs, advocated enforceable economic reforms, suggesting a more robust impact on economic life if enforceability was in place. However, challenges like resource constraints and political resistance could have limited outcomes.