Ramaswami: Scheme Workers’ Mahapadav on Nov 26 K Hemalata IT is more than 62 years since we have adopted the constitution, which gave the people certain rights that are fundamental to the governance of the country. According to the constitution 'it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws'. These principles dictated the direction of State policy. Some of these are: The right of citizens to have an adequate means of livelihood Distribution of the ownership and control of the material resources of the community as best to subserve the common good Operation of the economic system so that it does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment Equal pay for equal work for both men and women Effective provisions for securing just and humane conditions at work A living wage and conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure to all workers Free and compulsory education for all children until they complete fourteen years within ten years from the commencement of the constitution Raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of the people and improvement of public health as one of its primary duties Strive to minimise inequalities in income Eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities not only among individuals but also amongst groups of people