GK Question

Answer: True

Article 42 labor rights and maternity relief: (a) Text: State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief, (b) Just and humane conditions operationalization: (i) Factories Act, 1948: Regulates working hours, safety, welfare facilities in industrial establishments, (ii) Minimum Wages Act, 1948: Ensures fair remuneration for workers in scheduled employments, (iii) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, enhances safety standards, social security, (c) Maternity relief operationalization: (i) Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended 2017): Provides 26 weeks paid maternity leave, creche facilities, work from home options for women employees, (ii) National Food Security Act, 2013: Includes maternity benefits (₹6,000) for pregnant women, lactating mothers, (d) Applications: (i) Vishaka guidelines (1997): Recognized sexual harassment violates dignity, equality; led to POSH Act, 2013 for harassment-free workplace, (ii) Gig economy: Emerging debates on labor rights for platform workers reflect Article 42 commitment to just working conditions in new economy, (e) Challenges: (i) Informal sector: 90% of Indian workforce in informal sector; extending labor protections requires innovative approaches, (ii) Implementation gaps: Weak enforcement, awareness deficits limit effectiveness of labor laws, (iii) Gender equity: Ensuring maternity benefits do not discourage women's employment requires supportive policies (childcare, flexible work), (f) Illustrates transformative labor rights: Article 42 operationalized through labor laws, welfare schemes; balance between worker protection, employer flexibility, economic growth essential for realizing constitutional vision of just, humane workplace.