Part IV
Article 41

Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases

The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.

Version 1

Article 32, Draft Constitution of India 1948

The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in case of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, and other cases of undeserved want.

Version 2

Article 41, Constitution of India 1950

The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.

Summary

Draft Article 32 (Article 41) was debated on 23 November 1948. It directed the State to make provisions for adequate employment and educational opportunities, and social assistance for certain vulnerable groups.

One member moved an amendment to include ‘medical relief’ among the other social amenities. He also urged the rephrasing of ‘undeserved want’ to ‘deserving relief’. Another member pointed out that the right to medical relief is already provided for under Draft Article 38 (Article 47). It would be unnecessary to repeat it in this Draft Article.

The Assembly adopted this article on 23 November 1948 without amendments.