What is Article 39 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 39: Certain Principles of Policy to be Followed by the State The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing— (a) that the
📅 Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy
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Article Number

39

part

Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy

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Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 39: 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;
    • (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.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 39 of the Indian Constitution sets out principles that the State must follow in its policies. This article emphasizes that both men and women should have equal rights to earn a decent living. It requires the government to create policies that ensure everyone has access to jobs that provide enough income to support their families. This provision affects all citizens, as it promotes economic security and stability in society. Another key aspect of Article 39 is its focus on how material resources are owned and controlled. The article mandates that these resources should be distributed in a way that benefits the community as a whole. This means that the government should take steps to prevent a small group of people from monopolizing wealth and resources, which can lead to social and economic disparities. By ensuring a fair distribution of resources, the State can promote a balanced economy that serves the needs of all citizens, not just a privileged few. Also, Article 39 places great importance on the rights of workers and children. It mandates equal pay for equal work, ensuring that both men and women receive fair wages. It also emphasizes the need to protect children from being forced into labor that could harm their physical and mental health. The article encourages the government to provide opportunities for children to grow in safe, nurturing environments, thus safeguarding their rights and well-being. By focusing on these areas, Article 39 contributes to building a just society where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Historical Context

Article 39 was included in the Constitution when it was adopted in 1950, as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. During the Constituent Assembly debates, members emphasized the need for social and economic justice, which this article embodies. It reflects the vision of the framers to create a society where every citizen has access to a decent standard of living and equal opportunities. The article has remained unchanged since its inception, underscoring its enduring significance. Landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), interpreted the right to livelihood as a fundamental right under Article 21, reinforcing the article’s importance in protecting citizens’ rights.

Key Features

– Article 39 ensures equal rights to livelihood for all citizens.
– It mandates fair distribution of community resources for everyone’s benefit.
– The article prohibits concentration of wealth to protect the common good.
– It guarantees equal pay for equal work for both genders.
– Children’s rights and welfare are prioritized under this article.

Importance & Impact

– This article promotes a fair job market for all individuals seeking employment.
– It encourages a balanced distribution of resources for the welfare of society.
– Article 39 actively combats economic exploitation of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
– It upholds the principle of gender equality in workplaces and society as a whole.
– The article prioritizes children’s development, ensuring their rights and protection.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 39 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It mandates equal pay for equal work irrespective of gender. 2. It directs the State to prevent the concentration of wealth among a few individuals. 3. The article provides for the right to a healthy environment. Which of the above statements are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3. Analyze the implications of these statements and choose the correct option.

Answer

The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the principles outlined in Article 39 by promoting gender equality and preventing wealth concentration. However, statement 3 is incorrect as Article 39 does not explicitly address environmental rights, which are covered under other provisions.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 39 promotes equal livelihood opportunities for all citizens.
✓ It ensures fair distribution of resources for community welfare.
✓ The article protects workers’ rights to fair pay and conditions.
✓ Children’s development and rights are prioritized by the State.
✓ It aims to prevent wealth concentration that harms society.

FAQs

Article 39 aims to guide the State in formulating policies that ensure livelihood rights for all citizens. It emphasizes the fair distribution of resources, preventing wealth concentration, and protecting vulnerable groups. This article helps create a more equitable society where economic opportunities are accessible to everyone, promoting overall social justice.

Article 39 emphasizes equal pay for equal work, ensuring women receive fair wages in the workforce. It mandates that women should not face discrimination in employment opportunities, promoting gender equality across various sectors. This provision is necessary for empowering women, enhancing their economic independence, and fostering a more inclusive society.

Article 39 protects children from being forced into harmful labor that can affect their health and development. It mandates that the State should provide opportunities for children to grow in safe and nurturing environments. This ensures that children are not exploited and can enjoy their rights to education and a healthy upbringing, contributing to their overall development.

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Pramod Pal Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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