Article 39 of The Constitution of India
Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State.
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; 1. Art. 38 renumbered as cl. (1) by the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978, s. 9 (w.e.f. 20-6-1979). 1[(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.]
↩2.Ins. by s. 9, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-6-1979).
Summary
- Section 39 outlines specific policy principles the State must follow, starting with ensuring men and women equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood.
- It requires the ownership and control of material resources to be distributed in a way that best serves the common good.
- The economic system must be managed so it does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the public's detriment.
- The State must ensure there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
- It demands protection for the health and strength of workers, ensuring citizens are not forced by economic necessity into unsuitable jobs, and that children are given opportunities to develop in freedom and dignity.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What does Section 39 of The Constitution of India say about men and women in the workplace?
Section 39 of The Constitution of India directs the State to secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women, and ensures they equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood.
2. How does Article 39 of the Constitution address the ownership of resources?
Article 39 of the Constitution states that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community must be distributed as best to subserve the common good.
3. What protection does Section 39 of The Constitution of India offer to children?
Section 39 of The Constitution of India requires that children be given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner, in freedom and dignity, and be protected against exploitation and abandonment.
Test yourself
1.According to Section 39 of The Constitution of India, how should the ownership and control of material resources be handled?
2.What specific economic outcome is the State directed to prevent under Article 39 of the Constitution?
3.What specific workplace protection is guaranteed to both genders in Section 39 of The Constitution of India?
4.Under Section 39 of The Constitution of India, citizens should not be forced into avocations unsuited to their age or strength due to what specific reason?