Role and Impact of the Right Against Exploitation Under Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution

Introduction

The Right against Exploitation is enshrined in Articles 23 and 24 of the Indian Constitution, aimed at prohibiting various forms of exploitation and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups. These provisions are crucial in addressing issues such as bonded labor and child labor, which undermine human dignity and violate fundamental rights.

Articles 23 and 24: Constitutional Provisions

1. Article 23:
   • Prohibition of Human Trafficking and Forced Labor: Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced labor), and other forms of forced labor. It mandates that any form of forced labor, including bonded labor, is unconstitutional and punishable by law.
2. Article 24:
   • Prohibition of Child Labor: Article 24 specifically prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories, mines, or hazardous employment. This provision aims to protect children from exploitation and ensure their right to education and a safe environment.

Impact on Addressing Exploitation

1. Bonded Labor:
   • The provisions under Article 23 have been crucial in tackling bonded labor, where individuals are forced to work to repay debts. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, was enacted to eradicate this practice, and it provides for the rehabilitation of freed bonded laborers.
   • Recent Interventions: In 2022, the Ministry of Labour and Employment reported the release of hundreds of bonded laborers from various states, indicating the ongoing efforts to enforce the abolition of bonded labor.
2. Child Labor:
   • Article 24 plays a significant role in addressing child labor, ensuring that children are not employed in hazardous conditions. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and its subsequent amendment in 2016, prohibit the employment of children in hazardous work and regulate conditions for those employed in non-hazardous sectors.
   • Recent Initiatives: The National Child Labour Project (NCLP), launched by the government, aims to withdraw children from labor and provide them with education and vocational training. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated child labor issues, but recent data from 2023 shows improvements in child labor statistics due to these initiatives.

Government Efforts

1. Legislative Measures:
   • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Provides for the abolition of bonded labor and establishes a framework for the rehabilitation of released laborers.
   • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016: Tightens restrictions on child labor and includes provisions for education and penalties for violations.
2. Government Programs and Schemes:
   • National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Focuses on rehabilitating child laborers and ensuring their right to education.
   • One Nation One Ration Card Scheme: Aims to support vulnerable families, including those affected by labor exploitation, by providing access to subsidized food grains.

Challenges in Eradicating Exploitation

1. Implementation Gaps:
   • Despite legislative frameworks, the implementation of laws remains inconsistent. There are gaps in enforcement due to lack of resources, inadequate monitoring, and corruption. For example, reports indicate ongoing issues with bonded labor in some regions, despite the existence of laws and interventions.
2. Socio-Economic Factors:
   • Poverty and lack of education contribute significantly to the persistence of bonded and child labor. Many families, driven by economic necessity, continue to send children to work or accept exploitative conditions.
   • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated socio-economic disparities, leading to an increase in child labor and forced labor as families struggled with economic hardship.
3. Legal and Bureaucratic Challenges:
   • The effectiveness of laws is often hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of coordination between various enforcement agencies. For instance, the identification and release of bonded laborers require a coordinated effort between local authorities, NGOs, and the judiciary.
4. Lack of Awareness:
   • In many rural areas, there is a lack of awareness about legal protections against exploitation. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to inform affected communities about their rights and available legal remedies.

Conclusion

Articles 23 and 24 of the Indian Constitution play a vital role in safeguarding individuals from various forms of exploitation, including bonded labor and child labor. While significant legislative and governmental efforts have been made to address these issues, challenges in implementation, socio-economic factors, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing public awareness, and addressing underlying socio-economic issues are crucial for effectively combating exploitation and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights.