The Directive Principles of State Policy are the guidelines given in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51) of our Constitution to the Central and State governments. Any government that comes to power should follow them while making laws and policies, to achieve liberty, equality, fraternity and a welfare state.

• Equal pay for men and women for similar work.
• Maternity facilities for women.
• Prevent the exploitation of children.
• Opportunities for the healthy growth of children.
• Free and compulsory primary education.

• Most Indians depend on agriculture and cattle for their living, so their growth means the nation’s growth.
• The State is directed to organise them on modern and scientific lines to increase production.
• It must preserve and improve cattle breeds and stop the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle, because cattle are the wealth of our nation.
• Karnataka passed the Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.

• Liquor affects health.
• It destroys the economic condition of families.
• It increases the exploitation of women.

So the Constitution directs governments to prohibit liquor.

• Weaker sections must get means of livelihood, such as jobs and land.
• They must be protected from economic exploitation.
• They should get help for education and economic progress (scholarships, hostels, loans).
• They should get free legal aid.
• Everyone must be treated equally, without discrimination.

Liquor harms health, wastes family money, leads to fights, accidents and crime, and increases the exploitation of women and children. So the Constitution directs governments to ban it. People can help by spreading awareness, and families and youth should stay away from liquor and drugs.

• Monuments show our history, art and culture; they are our national heritage.
• Protecting them is the duty of the government, e.g. Badami, Bidar, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Sannati, Mysuru, Hampi, Pattadakal and Vijayapura.
• We should not write on, damage or litter monuments, and should tell others to protect them.
• They also bring tourists and income.

• Admit every child to school and stop dropouts.
• Provide free books, uniforms, midday meals and scholarships.
• Good school buildings, toilets, libraries and enough trained teachers.
• Stop child labour and child marriage.
• Make parents aware of the importance of education; give special help to girls and children with disabilities.

Put into practice (examples): free and compulsory education, midday meals and scholarships; pensions for the aged and disabled; minimum wages; housing schemes for the poor; free legal aid; protection of monuments like Hampi and Pattadakal; cattle protection act (2020).

Exploitation still seen (opinions from a debate): child labour, unequal wages for women, dowry, low wages for daily workers, liquor and drug addiction.

Possible reasons: lack of education, no land or regular work, low wages, large families, illness, addiction to liquor, debts, and discrimination by caste or gender. Government schemes and education can help them improve.

• Damages health: liver, brain and lungs.
• Poor studies and loss of jobs.
• Wastes money and causes family quarrels.
• Leads to accidents, fights and crime.
• Youth should say “No” to liquor and drugs, play sports and choose good friends.

Children have rights to life, education, health, play, protection and being heard. If a child faces child labour, child marriage, abuse or neglect, anyone can call CHILDLINE 1098 (free, 24 hours). Opinions: every child should know this number; teachers and parents should help; schools should display it.