Constitutional Rights, Acts and The State Initiatives
This section outlines key constitutional rights and legislative measures in India that aim to provide equal opportunities and protect individuals in the workforce, particularly women. The Constitution of India ensures that all citizens are treated equally without discrimination based on gender, caste, creed, race, or employment status. Key articles such as Article 16(1) guarantee equality in employment opportunities.
Furthermore, various acts have been established to strengthen these rights, including the Factories Act of 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Equal Remuneration Act. These laws specifically address women's safety and welfare in the workplace, mandating humane working conditions and maternity rights.
The section also touches on state initiatives such as women’s cells in the Ministry of Labour aimed at tackling issues faced by women workers. The narrative points towards the paradigm shift in women's empowerment strategies from welfare approaches to equality and development, indicating a transformative journey towards greater recognition of women’s contributions in the economy.