Previous Year Question
Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?
Abolition of untouchability.
Prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour.
Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines.
Protection of interests of minorities.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
2 and 3
3 and 4
1 and 2
1 and 4
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Part III of the Indian Constitution contains the Fundamental Rights. Among them, the Right against Exploitation is provided under Articles 23 and 24.
Its objective is to provide constitutional protection against human trafficking, forced labour and the employment of children in hazardous work.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
Untouchability is abolished under Article 17 of the Constitution.
This Article is associated with the Right to Equality, not the Right against Exploitation.
According to Article 17, untouchability is abolished, and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is an offence punishable in accordance with law.
Statement 2 is correct.
Article 23(1) prohibits human trafficking, begar and other similar forms of forced labour.
Begar refers to compelling a person to work against their will without remuneration.
Article 23(2) permits the State to impose compulsory service for public purposes. However, while imposing such service, the State cannot discriminate solely on grounds of religion, race, caste or class.
Important fact: The protection under Article 23 is available to both citizens and non-citizens. Its prohibition also applies to exploitation by private individuals.
Statement 3 is correct.
According to Article 24, no child below the age of 14 years can be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
This provision aims to protect children from work that may be harmful to their health, safety and development.
An important point is that Article 24 specifies the age limit of below 14 years, whereas Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education to children between 6 and 14 years of age.
Statement 4 is incorrect.
The protection of the interests of minorities is primarily associated with the Cultural and Educational Rights under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution.
Article 29 grants any section of citizens having a distinct language, script or culture the right to conserve it.
Article 30 grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.