Right to life would be lifeless and worthless if it did not include right to work and to earn a livelihood, for what good a human life is without human endeavor.
Besides, if one did not have right to work, the idea of ‘life with human dignity’ would remain just an idea, as man earns his dignity through his work only. Work is not just a means to earn livelihood but also a means to realise one’s creative potential.
Directive Principles of State Policy recognise the importance of work, as right to life includes the right to fulfill basic human needs like food, shelter and clothing. Therefore, if right to work were not available, right to life would render plain living impossible, leave aside living with ‘human dignity’.
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The State is duty bound to cultivate such social conditions that are favourable for people to work and provide work to others. Besides peace and order, State should also make sure that equal opportunities to work are available for all in accordance with their abilities, and that neither caste, not sex, colour, nor creed becomes a handicap.
It is not in individual interest or national interest that large sections of people remain jobless, for that would not only translate into non-productive workforce but would also inspire criminal behaviour, and thus threaten general peace and security.