UPSC Prelims 2017 Q7: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by
the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution?
- (a) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women
- (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries
- (c) Right to work, education and public assistance
- (d) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers
Answer: (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries
Explanation
DPSPs added by the 42nd Amendment (1976)
| Article | Principle | Added in 1976? |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | Equal pay for equal work | No, original |
| 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid | Yes |
| 41 | Right to work, education and public assistance | No, original |
| 43 | Living wage and decent conditions of work | No, original |
| 43A | Participation of workers in management of industries | Yes |
| 48A | Protection of environment, forests and wildlife | Yes |
The 42nd Amendment also changed Article 39(f) on opportunities for children.
Answer: (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Equal pay for equal work (Article 39(d)) was in the original Constitution.
- (b) CORRECT. Article 43A (workers' participation in management) was added by the 42nd Amendment.
- (c) Incorrect. Article 41 (right to work, education, public assistance) is original.
- (d) Incorrect. Article 43 (living wage) was part of the original DPSPs.
Key point
42nd Amendment added DPSPs: Article 39A (free legal aid), 43A (workers in management), 48A (environment); also amended 39(f).
Remember
43A = workers in management, added in 1976.
Common mistakes
- Thinking equal pay for equal work was a later addition; it is original Article 39(d).
- Mixing up Article 43 (living wage, original) and 43A (workers' participation, 1976).
- Forgetting the 42nd also added 48A on the environment.
Exam tip
42nd Amendment DPSP additions: '39A, 43A, 48A'.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Part IV, Articles 39-48A
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Ch 8 (Directive Principles)