Actual Article
Article 48: Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
The State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
UPSC Notes for Article 48
Explanation:
- Directive Principle: Article 48 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) under Part IV of the Indian Constitution. It directs the State to modernize agriculture and animal husbandry and to take specific steps to preserve cattle.
- Objective: The primary aim is to ensure the development of agriculture and animal husbandry using modern techniques and scientific approaches, while also emphasizing the preservation of cattle breeds.
Key Points:
- Modernization of Agriculture: Encourages the adoption of scientific methods and technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
- Animal Husbandry: Focuses on the development and maintenance of livestock health, ensuring the use of modern techniques in breeding and rearing.
- Preservation of Cattle: Specifically mentions the prohibition of slaughtering cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle to protect and improve their breeds.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 48
Cases:
- Mohd. Hanif Quareshi vs. State of Bihar (1958): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of laws prohibiting cow slaughter, emphasizing the importance of Article 48 in protecting cattle.
- State of Gujarat vs. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat (2005): The Supreme Court reinforced the prohibition of cow slaughter, stating that Article 48 aims to ensure the preservation and improvement of cattle breeds, which is vital for agriculture.
Commissions:
- National Commission on Cattle (2002): Recommended measures for the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds, aligning with the objectives of Article 48.
- National Commission on Farmers (2004-2006): Chaired by M. S. Swaminathan, the commission provided recommendations on agricultural practices, including animal husbandry, to improve the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.
Important Reports Related to Article 48
- National Agricultural Policy (2000): Emphasized the need for modernizing agriculture and animal husbandry, supporting the goals outlined in Article 48.
- Report on Livestock Census (2012): Provided comprehensive data on the livestock population in India, helping formulate policies for the preservation and improvement of cattle breeds.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 48
- Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy aims at organizing agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines?
- A. Article 45
- B. Article 46
- C. Article 47
- D. Article 48 Correct Answer: D. Article 48
- Article 48 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to:
- A. Promote cottage industries
- B. Preserve and improve cattle breeds
- C. Encourage the scientific temper
- D. Improve the standard of living of workers Correct Answer: B. Preserve and improve cattle breeds
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 48
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 48 of the Indian Constitution in the context of sustainable agricultural practices and livestock management in India.”
- Mains 2018: “Analyze the impact of Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 48, on the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in India.”
Additional Insights:
- Government Initiatives: Various schemes and programs, such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Livestock Mission, aim to improve cattle breeds and promote scientific practices in animal husbandry.
- Challenges: Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to modern technologies, and socio-economic barriers hinder the effective implementation of Article 48.
- Future Directions: To achieve the objectives of Article 48, there is a need for increased investment in agricultural research, extension services, and the adoption of sustainable practices in farming and livestock management.
By understanding Article 48, UPSC aspirants can gain insights into the constitutional directive aimed at modernizing agriculture and animal husbandry while preserving cattle breeds. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of Directive Principles in shaping state policies for agricultural and livestock development.