Unemployment in India: A Constitutional Perspective

Author(s)	Dr. Varsha Damodhar Shinde
Country	India
Abstract	Unemployment remains one of the most persistent socio-economic challenges facing India. Despite rapid economic growth in certain sectors, a significant proportion of the population continues to struggle with joblessness, underemployment, and informal employment. The Indian Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to employment as a fundamental right, yet it places a moral and policy obligation upon the State through the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 41, to ensure the right to work and public assistance in cases of unemployment. This paper critically examines unemployment in India from a constitutional perspective by analysing the relevant constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and employment-related policies. Using both secondary data (PLFS reports, government documents, and published studies) and a conceptual primary data framework, the study highlights the gap between constitutional ideals and labour-market realities. The paper argues that strengthening employment policies and giving greater constitutional force to the right to livelihood is essential for inclusive and sustainable development.
Keywords	Unemployment, Indian Constitution, Article 41, Directive Principles, Right to Work, Labour Market.
Field	Sociology > Economics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-22

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