Correct Option
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution explicitly states "Justice-Social, Economic and Political" as one of its objectives. This directly incorporates the concept of economic justice. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution, further elaborate on the practical implementation of economic justice. Key articles include:
- Article 38 mandates the State to strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life. It also directs the State to minimize inequalities in income, and endeavor to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities.
- Article 39(b) and (c) direct the State to ensure that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good, and that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.
- Article 41 provides for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
- Article 43 aims to secure a living wage and conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life for all workers.
These provisions collectively aim to achieve economic justice by reducing disparities, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and providing social security.
Incorrect Options
Option (a) The Preamble and the Fundamental Rights: While the Preamble includes economic justice, Fundamental Rights primarily guarantee civil and political rights (e.g., equality, freedom, right against exploitation). They do not explicitly define or guarantee economic justice as an objective in the same manner as the Preamble or DPSP.
Option (c) The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy: This option is incorrect because economic justice is explicitly stated as an objective in the Preamble, and while DPSP elaborates on it, Fundamental Rights do not directly provide for economic justice as an objective.
Option (d) None of the above: This option is incorrect as economic justice is clearly provided for in both the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy.