Detailed Summary
In the chapter discussing justice and law, the section on Quality of Goods Standards highlights the critical relationship between legislation and the fairness in market operations. Specifically, it addresses how exploitation permeates various market levels—impacting producers (like farmers), workers (such as factory employees), and consumers alike. To mitigate exploitation and uphold rights, the government establishes laws that serve essential functions:
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Minimum Wages Law: This law ensures that workers receive at least a certain wage, protecting them from being underpaid by employers eager to maximize profits.
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Safety Standards Regulations: Laws that mandate safety measures in workplaces, ensuring conditions in factories and other environments do not harm workers.
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Quality Assurance Laws: Protect consumers by enforcing minimum quality standards for goods such as electrical appliances, pharmaceuticals, and food products, thereby safeguarding public health.
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Price Regulation of Essential Goods: These laws regulate the prices of basic necessities to prevent exploitation and ensure affordability, especially for economically disadvantaged populations.
The Bhopal gas tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety standards and proper enforcement of regulations, showing how weak safety protocols can lead to catastrophic events. The section emphasizes that merely enacting laws is insufficient; robust enforcement is just as crucial to uphold the rights of the vulnerable.
Moreover, it highlights that many laws derive their significance from Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, especially emphasizing rights against exploitation.
In summary, this section argues that effective law-making and enforcement are key to establishing social justice, ensuring all market participants are treated with dignity, fairness, and safety.