Part IV - DPSP • Article

Article 39 Simplified: Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State

Article 39 is a checklist of 'Fairness Rules' for the economy. It asks the government to ensure: 1) Everyone has a way to earn a living. 2) The country's wealth isn't just in a few hands. 3) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women. 4) Children are protected from being forced into hard work.

Official Text

The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing- (a) that the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood; (b) that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good; (c) that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment; (d) that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women; (e) that the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength; [(f) that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

It’s a list of rules for a fair country: 1) Give everyone a chance to work. 2) Share the country's riches. 3) Pay men and women the same for the same work. 4) Don't let kids work hard jobs.

Student Mode

Serves as the 'Charter of Economic Justice' directing State policy towards securing adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of community resources (39(b)), prevention of concentration of wealth (39(c)), equal pay for equal work for both men and women (39(d)), protection of workers' health (39(e)), and healthy development of children (39(f)). These clauses form the constitutional basis for land reforms, labor laws, and the Equal Remuneration Act.

Example

The law that says a woman construction worker must get the same daily wage as a man for the same task is based on Article 39(d).

Key Takeaway

Article 39 is the reason we have laws like the Minimum Wage and Equal Remuneration acts.

FAQs

Does Article 39 guarantee equal pay?

It directs the State to strive for it. This led to the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976.

How does it protect children?

Article 39(f) mandates that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation.

What about wealth distribution?

Article 39(c) says the economic system should not result in the concentration of wealth in a few hands.

Does it help both men and women?

Yes, it specifically mentions that men and women have the right to an adequate means of livelihood.

Quiz

Which article mentions 'Equal pay for equal work'?

Answer: Art 39

Concentration of wealth should be:

Answer: Prevented

Art 39(f) is for protecting:

Answer: Children

Adequate means of livelihood is for:

Answer: Both men and women