Freedom From Want: Socio - Economic Human Rights

Food shelter and clothing are minimal human rights. The Supreme Court of India had declared in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (AIR 1978 SC 597) that the right to life enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution means something more than mere animal existence  and includes the right to live with human dignity. It would include all the aspects which would make life meaningful complete and living. Even in the International sphere these rights are considered vital as is evident from its inclusion in the basic covenants such as Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights 1966.  This book discusses major legislations like the National Food Security Act 2013 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008 and various other related acts. This commentary also discusses the various Central Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Affordable Rental Housing Complexes Scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Atal Pension Yojana and others. Relevant judgments have been suitably included in the text.  The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns have adversely impacted the livelihoods of poor people. New schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan are also discussed.