Article 42 directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief, reflecting commitment to labor rights, gender justice in workplace.

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.