Actual Article
Article 43: Living wage, etc., for workers
The State shall endeavor to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organization or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work, a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities and, in particular, the State shall endeavor to promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
UPSC Notes for Article 43
Explanation:
- Directive Principle: Article 43 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) under Part IV of the Indian Constitution. It directs the State to secure a living wage, decent working conditions, and promote cottage industries.
- Living Wage: A wage sufficient to provide the worker with the basic necessities of life, including a decent standard of living and opportunities for education, healthcare, and leisure.
- Promotion of Cottage Industries: Emphasizes the promotion of small-scale, rural industries to boost employment and economic development in rural areas.
Key Points:
- Economic and Social Welfare: Article 43 aims at ensuring the economic and social welfare of workers by advocating for fair wages and good working conditions.
- Holistic Development: Encourages not just economic but also social and cultural opportunities, ensuring a balanced development of workers.
- Rural Employment: Highlights the importance of rural employment and the promotion of cottage industries to stimulate rural economies and prevent urban migration.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 43
Cases:
- Bijay Cotton Mills vs. State of Ajmer (1955): This case upheld the validity of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, affirming the State’s duty to ensure fair wages as per the directive of Article 43.
- Sanjit Roy vs. State of Rajasthan (1983): The Supreme Court held that paying workers less than the minimum wage was a violation of their right to live with dignity, as envisaged under Article 43.
Commissions:
- National Commission on Labour (1969): Recommended measures to secure fair wages and improve working conditions, aligning with the objectives of Article 43.
- Second National Commission on Labour (2002): Suggested reforms to labor laws to enhance the economic security and welfare of workers, supporting the principles of Article 43.
Important Reports Related to Article 43
- Report on Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the Unorganised Sector (2007): Suggested comprehensive measures for improving wages and working conditions in the unorganized sector, resonating with Article 43.
- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) Report (2008): Evaluated the implementation of NREGA, which aims to provide a living wage and employment in rural areas, supporting the objectives of Article 43.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 43
- Prelims 2017: Which of the following are the features of the Directive Principles of State Policy?
- (i) They are fundamental in the governance of the country.
- (ii) They are not enforceable by any court.
- (iii) They aim to create social and economic conditions under which the citizens can lead a good life.
- (iv) They are legally binding on the State.
- Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A. (i) and (ii) only
- B. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
- C. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
- D. All of the above
- Prelims 2019: With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
- Article 43 directs the State to secure a living wage for workers.
- Article 43 is enforceable by the courts of law.
- Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 43
- Mains 2018: “The Directive Principles of State Policy, though non-justiciable, are fundamental in the governance of the country.” Discuss this statement with special reference to Article 43.
- Mains 2016: Analyze the significance of Article 43 in promoting the welfare of workers in India. How has the State implemented this directive?
Additional Insights:
- Impact on Labor Laws: Article 43 has significantly influenced labor laws in India, including the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Factories Act, 1948, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Government Schemes: Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide a living wage and promote rural employment, reflecting the principles of Article 43.
- Promotion of Cottage Industries: Initiatives such as the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) promote the development of cottage industries, boosting rural economies and aligning with the objectives of Article 43.
By understanding Article 43, UPSC aspirants can gain insights into the constitutional directives aimed at securing fair wages and decent working conditions for workers. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of Directive Principles in shaping state policies for labor welfare and rural development.