The Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy which though not justiceable, are ‘fundamental in governance of the country’ and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. These lay down that the State shall strive to promote welfare of people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice – social, economic and political, shall inform all institutions of national life. The State shall direct its policy in such a manner as to secure the right of all men and women to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work and within limits of its economic capacity and development, to make effective provision for securing the right to work, education and to public assistance in the event of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement or other cases of undeserved want. The State shall also endeavour to secure to workers a living wage, humane conditions of work, a decent standard of life and full involvement of workers in management of industries. In the economic sphere, the State is to direct its policy in such a manner as to secure distribution of ownership and control of material resources of community to subserve the common good and to ensure that operation of economic system does not result in concentration of wealth and means of production of common detriment.
(1) Equitable distribution of wealth or the socialist pattern of society and equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
(2) Provision of adequate means of livelihood to all its citizens, men and women.
(3) Provision of employment to all.
(4) Free and compulsory education for children.
(5) Living wage for workers.
(6) Protection of childhood and youth against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.
(7) Organization of village panchayats as units of self-government (Article 40).
(8) Prohibition of the consumption except for medical purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs injurious to health.
(9) Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.
(10) Promotion of international peace and security and maintenance of just and honourable relations between the nations of the world.
THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE
Policy in the Constitution of India have been inspired by the Constitution of Ireland. It contains ideals of a Welfare State. The Directive Principles are contained in Part-IV of the Constitution.
RIGHT TO WORK IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Article 41 in Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) in the Constitution of India reads, “The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want.” The custodian of Fundamental Rights is the Supreme Court of India.
