Previous Year Question

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 inserted Article 43A into Part IV of the Constitution. It concerns the participation of workers in the management of industries.

Article 43A directs the State to take steps, through suitable legislation or other means, to secure the participation of workers in the management of undertakings, establishments or other organisations engaged in any industry.

The principal objectives of workers’ participation are:

• Promotion of industrial democracy.

• Greater cooperation between employers and employees.

• Inclusion of workers in decision-making processes.

• Reduction of industrial disputes.

• Improvement in productivity and workplace relations.

• Development of responsibility and involvement among employees.

Three important Directive Principles were inserted by the 42nd Amendment:

• Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.

• Article 43A: Participation of workers in the management of industries.

• Article 48A: Protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.

The 42nd Amendment also inserted Part IVA and Article 51A, thereby adding Fundamental Duties to the Constitution.

Assessment of the other options:

Option (a) is incorrect. Equal pay for equal work for both men and women is contained in Article 39(d), which formed part of the original Constitution.

Option (c) is incorrect. The right to work, education and public assistance in specified circumstances is contained in Article 41. It was also part of the original Constitution.

Option (d) is incorrect. A living wage is provided under Article 43, while just and humane conditions of work are provided under Article 42. Both were present in the original Constitution.

Article 43A is a Directive Principle and therefore does not create a directly enforceable judicial right. It nevertheless supplies a constitutional basis for laws and policies promoting workers’ participation in management.