Economic & Social Rights

Economic and social rights ensure that individuals have access to the basic necessities required for a dignified life. These rights include the right to work, education, health, housing, social security, and an adequate standard of living.

They are internationally recognized under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966), which obligates countries to promote and protect these essential rights.

In India, economic and social rights are not directly enforceable as Fundamental Rights. However, they are incorporated within the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Constitution. These principles serve as guidelines for the government in creating policies aimed at social and economic welfare.

Several key legislations and schemes reflect India's commitment to these rights, including:

• The Right to Education Act, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children.
• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which ensures wage employment to rural households.

These initiatives demonstrate the government's ongoing efforts to promote equality, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for all citizens.