UPSC Prelims 2017 Q97: Indian Polity – Fundamental Rights
Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of
India?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Abolition of untouchability
3. Protection of the interests of minorities
4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1 and 4 only
Explanation
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)
| Item | Envisaged by this Right? | Where it actually sits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour | Yes | Article 23 |
| 2. Abolition of untouchability | No | Article 17, Right to Equality |
| 3. Protection of the interests of minorities | No | Articles 29 and 30, Cultural and Educational Rights |
| 4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines | Yes | Article 24 |
The six groups of Fundamental Rights:
| Right | Articles |
|---|---|
| Equality | 14 to 18 |
| Freedom | 19 to 22 |
| Against Exploitation | 23 and 24 |
| Freedom of Religion | 25 to 28 |
| Cultural and Educational | 29 and 30 |
| Constitutional Remedies | 32 |
Answer: (c) 1 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Abolition of untouchability is under the Right to Equality (Article 17).
- (b) Incorrect. Items 2 and 3 belong to other rights, and item 1 is left out.
- (c) CORRECT. Only Articles 23 and 24 make up the Right against Exploitation.
- (d) Incorrect. Untouchability and minorities are covered by other Fundamental Rights.
Key point
Right against Exploitation = Article 23 (traffic in human beings, forced labour) and Article 24 (no child under 14 in factories, mines, hazardous work).
Remember
Right against Exploitation = Articles 23 and 24 only.
Common mistakes
- Placing untouchability under exploitation; it is Article 17, Right to Equality.
- Forgetting the age limit in Article 24: below 14 years.
- Putting protection of minorities here instead of Articles 29 and 30.
Exam tip
Right against Exploitation has only two Articles: 23 and 24. Anything else is from another group.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 17, 23, 24, 29 and 30
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 2 (Rights in the Indian Constitution)