Explain Socio- Economic rights in the Indian Constitution.
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Explain Socio- Economic rights in the Indian Constitution.
Socio-economic rights in the Indian Constitution are enshrined primarily in Part IV, known as the Directive Principles of State Policy. While not legally enforceable in courts, these principles serve as guidelines for the government to frame policies and enact laws towards achieving socio-economic justice and equality in the country.
Key socio-economic rights outlined in the Indian Constitution include:
Right to Adequate Means of Livelihood (Article 39(a)): This provision directs the state to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to earn a livelihood that is adequate for a decent standard of living.
Right to Equal Pay for Equal Work (Article 39(d)): It mandates that men and women receive equal pay for equal work, addressing gender-based wage disparities.
Right to Just and Humane Conditions of Work (Article 42): The state is directed to ensure that workers, both men and women, have just and humane conditions of work and a living wage.
Right to Education (Article 45): This provision emphasizes that the state shall endeavor to provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of fourteen years, recognizing education as essential for social and economic development.
Right to Public Assistance in Case of Unemployment, Old Age, Sickness, and Disablement (Article 41): It obliges the state to provide social assistance to those in need, including financial support, healthcare, and other forms of aid.
Right to Adequate Nutrition and Standard of Living (Article 47): The state is directed to improve public health and nutrition standards and to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people.
Right to Housing and Shelter (implicit in various articles): Though not explicitly stated as a fundamental right, the Constitution implies the state's responsibility to provide adequate housing and shelter to its citizens.
These socio-economic rights reflect India's commitment to promoting social and economic justice, reducing inequalities, and improving the quality of life for all its citizens. While not directly enforceable through the courts, these principles guide policymaking and legislative measures to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Additionally, several subsequent laws and policies have been enacted to further operationalize these socio-economic rights and ensure their realization at the grassroots level.