Social Security — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment Act	1976	This amendment added four new Directive Principles: Article 39A (Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid), Article 43A (Participation of Workers in Management of Industries), Article 48A (Protection and Improvement of Environment and Safeguarding of Forests and Wild Life). While not directly amending existing social security articles, 39A and 43A reinforce the state's commitment to social justice and worker welfare, indirectly strengthening the social security framework.	Strengthened the socialist and secular credentials of the Constitution. Article 43A, in particular, provided a DPSP basis for worker participation, which is a form of industrial social security, aiming to improve working conditions and dignity.
44th Amendment Act	1978	This amendment added a new clause to Article 38, stating that 'the State shall, in particular, strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.'	Significantly broadened the scope of Article 38, emphasizing the state's duty to reduce all forms of inequality, not just economic. This provides a stronger constitutional mandate for comprehensive social security policies aimed at reducing disparities across various social and economic groups.
86th Amendment Act	2002	This amendment inserted Article 21A (Right to Education) as a Fundamental Right and also changed Article 45 to state that 'The State shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.'	While primarily focused on education, the change in Article 45 indirectly impacts social security by emphasizing early childhood care, which is a crucial aspect of child welfare and development, aligning with Article 39(f) and contributing to long-term human capital development.