Article 24 of Indian Constitution

Article 24 of Indian Constitution – Prohibits child labor in factories and mines. Learn definition, status, related articles, and its relevance in UPSC exams.
📅 Part III – Fundamental Rights
🏷️Active

📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

24

part

Part III – Fundamental Rights

Status

Active

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 24 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the employment of children under fourteen years in factories and mines. This law aims to protect children from hazardous working conditions, which can harm their physical and mental development. By preventing child labor in these sectors, the article helps ensure that children can focus on their education and personal growth instead of working in dangerous environments.

The article directly affects children, parents, industries, and governments. Parents of young children are encouraged to keep them in school rather than send them to work. Factories and mines must comply with this law or face penalties. This law reflects India’s commitment to children’s rights and welfare, aligning with global standards against child labor. Exceptions to this rule may exist for family businesses, but these are closely monitored and regulated to ensure that children’s rights are upheld.

The real-world impact of Article 24 is profound. By limiting child labor, it promotes a healthier future for society. Children who receive an education are more likely to break the cycle of poverty. Communities benefit when children grow up to be educated, skilled adults, contributing positively to society. Overall, Article 24 plays a key role in shaping a better future for children in India, ensuring they are protected and given the opportunity to thrive.

Historical Context

Article 24 was included in the Constitution of India when it was adopted in 1950. During the Constituent Assembly debates, there was major emphasis on safeguarding children’s rights and preventing exploitation. Many members argued that child labor was a social evil that needed to be eradicated to ensure children could enjoy their childhood and receive education. The article has not been formally amended but has been reinforced through various judgments, like the 1996 Supreme Court case of M.C. Mehta vs. State of Tamil Nadu, which highlighted the necessity of protecting children from hazardous work environments and underscored the right to childhood free from exploitation.

Key Features

– Article 24 prohibits employing children below the age of fourteen years.
– It specifically targets employment in factories and mines.
– The article aims to protect children from hazardous working conditions.
– It emphasizes the importance of education for children.
– Violations of this article can lead to legal consequences for employers.

Importance & Impact

– This article helps children focus on education instead of dangerous work.
– It protects children from harmful and hazardous working environments for administrative efficiency.
– Preventing child labor contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty.
– The article aligns India’s laws with international child rights standards.
– It encourages parents to prioritize their children’s education and safety.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements are true regarding Article 24 of the Indian Constitution? A) It prohibits the employment of children below 14 years. B) It allows children to work in family businesses under specific conditions. C) It mandates education for all children under sixteen. D) It is applicable only in urban areas. Choose the correct option and explain the rationale behind your choice, providing justifications for each statement.? Which of the statements given above are correct in the context of the federal structure of India?

Answer

The correct answer is A. Article 24 specifically prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen in factories and mines. Option B is incorrect because while some exceptions exist for family businesses, they are heavily regulated. Options C and D are also wrong as Article 24 does not mandate education, nor is it limited to urban areas.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 24 protects children under fourteen from labor.
✓ It promotes education for children instead of exposure to work.
✓ The law focuses on factories and mines specifically.
✓ Violations can lead to legal actions against employers.
✓ It aligns with global standards for children’s rights.

FAQs

Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen years. This means any child younger than fourteen cannot be legally employed in factories or hazardous jobs. This law aims to protect children’s rights and ensure they have the opportunity to pursue education instead of working in dangerous conditions, which can hinder their development.

While Article 24 generally prohibits child labor, there are limited exceptions for family businesses. However, these exceptions are strictly regulated to ensure children’s safety and well-being. The law aims to prevent exploitation while allowing some flexibility for children to assist in family-owned enterprises under safe conditions. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

Article 24 benefits society by ensuring children receive an education rather than working in hazardous jobs. Educated children are more likely to contribute positively to the economy and society. Also, this law fosters a safer environment for children, reducing the chances of exploitation and abuse, which ultimately strengthens communities. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

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Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
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