Article 39 of Indian Constitution, Interpretation, Importance

Article 39 comes under Part IV of the Constitution of India under the Directive Principles of State Policy. The article lays down the guidelines for the state to create policies for a just and equitable society. The goal is to provide social and economic justice to all the citizens of the country. Distribution of resources, economic equity and protection of workers and children all come under this article. In this article, we are going to cover all about Article 39 of the constitution. 

Article 39 of the Indian Constitution 

The Constitution of Indian states the following about Article 39: 

The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing- 

• that the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means to livelihood
• that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to sub serve the common good
• that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment
• that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women
• 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
• 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.

Article 39 of Indian Constitution Interpretation 

Article 39 of the Indian Constitution outlines important principles of policy that the State must try to follow. It includes six specific directives aimed at securing economic justice and equality. These are: 

• Adequate Means of Livelihood (Article 39A): Article 39 emphasises that a state should make sure that all the citizens irrespective of their sex should have equal opportunity and access to sufficient means of livelihood. 
• Distribution of Resources (Article 39b): The Article 39b of the Constitution of India, talks about the responsibility of the state to distribute resource and ownership of materials in a way that works for all and helps avoid the concentration of wealth. 
• Article 39(c) emphasizes economic equity with a goal of aiming to prevent the concentration of wealth and means of production in a manner detrimental to the common good, thereby promoting social justice.
• Article 39(d) tells the State to ensure equal pay for equal work for both men and women, reinforcing gender equality in employment.
• Article 39(e) focuses on the protection of workers, stating that individuals—regardless of age or gender—should not be forced into employment that is harmful to their health or well-being.
• Article 39(f) addresses child welfare, requiring the State to create conditions that ensure children grow up in a healthy and dignified environment, shielded from exploitation and neglect.

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