Which Directive Principle directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief?

Article 42 directs the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

Meaning of the provision:

• "Just and humane conditions of work" means safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working hours, rest periods, holidays, and protection against exploitation.
• "Maternity relief" means that women workers should get paid leave and other benefits before and after childbirth, so that their health and the health of their children are protected.

Laws to implement Article 42:

• The Factories Act (1948), which regulates working hours, health, safety and welfare in factories.
• The Maternity Benefit Act (1961), which gives maternity leave and benefits to women workers.
• The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for the first two children, and introduced crèche facilities in establishments with 50 or more employees.
• The Employees' State Insurance Act (1948), which provides medical care and cash benefits, including maternity benefits, to workers.

The Vishaka case (1997):

• In the Vishaka case, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent the sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
• The Court relied on Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21, and on Article 42, which requires just and humane conditions of work.
• These guidelines were later replaced by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Classification:

Article 42 belongs to the socialist principles among the Directive Principles.

International influence:

The principle reflects the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), of which India is a founding member (1919).

Importance:

It recognises the dignity of labour and the special needs of women workers.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Article 39(e) deals with the health and strength of workers and children; Article 45 with early childhood care and education; Article 46 with the interests of the weaker sections.