Home The Constitution Part IV Article 43

Art. 43 Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy

Living Wage for Workers

Exact text — Constitution of India

The State shall endeavour to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organisation or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work, a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to promote cottage industries on an industrial basis in individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article distinguishes between a bare 'minimum wage' (enough to survive) and a 'living wage' (enough for a genuinely decent standard of life, including leisure and cultural opportunities) — a higher aspiration India's wage laws have moved towards but not fully achieved. It also specifically directs the State to promote cottage and rural industries.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the aspirational backdrop to India's minimum wage laws and the more recent 'floor wage' concept introduced by the Code on Wages, 2019 — the gap between the constitutionally envisioned 'living wage' and the legally mandated 'minimum wage' remains an active policy debate.

Read alongside this one

Labour & Employment Rights

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 43

What's the difference between minimum wage and living wage?

Minimum wage is a legally enforced wage floor to prevent exploitation; a 'living wage' (this Article's actual aspiration) is meant to cover a genuinely decent standard of living including leisure and cultural participation — India's current wage laws implement the former more concretely than the latter.

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The text above reproduces Article 43 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.