Correct Option
The correct option is They have no job security and no assets.
Explanation
Casual labourers are workers employed on a temporary or daily basis without formal contracts, regular salaries, or social security benefits. They predominantly operate within the unorganized sector. Vulnerability in this economic context refers to the high susceptibility to poverty and the inability to withstand economic shocks due to the absence of financial safety nets.
Option Analysis
- They have no job security and no assets. is Correct: The defining characteristic of casual labour is the lack of job security. These workers face irregular employment and can be terminated without notice. Additionally, they typically lack assets (such as land, savings, or property) that could serve as a buffer during periods of unemployment, illness, or economic downturns. This combination creates extreme economic vulnerability.
- They are required to pay higher taxes. is Incorrect: Casual labourers generally earn subsistence-level wages that fall below the taxable income threshold. They are not subject to higher taxes; instead, the progressive tax system exempts low-income earners.
- They are not allowed to migrate to urban areas. is Incorrect: The Constitution of India (Article 19) guarantees the fundamental right to move freely and reside anywhere in the country. Casual labourers frequently migrate from rural to urban areas in search of livelihood (distress migration).
- They are excluded from voting rights. is Incorrect: Voting rights in India are based on Universal Adult Suffrage (Article 326), which allows every citizen above the age of 18 to vote, regardless of their economic status, asset ownership, or employment type.
Key Takeaway: The vulnerability of casual labourers stems from the structural characteristics of the unorganized sector: absence of formal employment contracts, lack of social security benefits, and income volatility combined with asset poverty.