UPSC Prelims 2004 Q88: Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights
Which Article of the Constitution of India says, “No child below the age of fourteen years
shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous
employment”?
- (a) Article 24
- (b) Article 45
- (c) Article 330
- (d) Article 368
Answer: (a) Article 24
Explanation
Prohibition of child labour
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| Article 24 | No child below 14 in a factory, mine or hazardous employment |
| Article 45 | Early childhood care and education (Directive) |
| Article 330 | Reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha |
| Article 368 | Amendment of the Constitution |
Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below fourteen years in factories, mines or other hazardous work.
Answer: (a) Article 24.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Article 24 bans child labour in hazardous work.
- (b) Incorrect. Article 45 is a Directive Principle about early education.
- (c) Incorrect. Article 330 deals with reservation in the Lok Sabha.
- (d) Incorrect. Article 368 deals with amendments.
Key point
Articles 23-24: right against exploitation (forced labour, child labour).
Remember
Article 24 bans employing children below fourteen in hazardous work.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Article 45, which is about education.
- Mixing Article 24 with Article 23 on forced labour.
- Forgetting that Article 24 is a Fundamental Right.
Exam tip
Article 23: forced labour; Article 24: child labour.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 23 and 24
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights)