Ensuring Livelihoods: A Constitutional Analysis Of Wage Regulation In India

Geetha Lakshmi R, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai

ABSTRACT

India's Constitution, adopted in 1950, serves as the foundation for the world's largest democracy. It establishes a framework for a federal republic with a parliamentary system, ensuring a balance between the central government and individual states. The document enshrines fundamental rights for all citizens, guaranteeing equality, and freedom of religion, speech, and assembly. It also prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. Alongside these rights, the Constitution outlines Directive Principles, which act as guiding lights for the government to strive for social and economic justice. While not directly enforceable in court, these principles encourage policies that promote equal opportunity, fair wages, and a decent standard of living for all Indians. While the Constitution doesn't dictate specific wage levels, it sets the stage for legislation that promotes fair compensation. The Directive Principles encourage the state to ensure that workers receive just and humane conditions, including fair wages. This paves the way for minimum wage laws and regulations aimed at protecting workers' rights and ensuring a living wage.