‘Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment’ as a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution is given in which Article of the Constitution?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Article 16.

Explanation:

• Article 16 of the Indian Constitution provides for "Equality of Opportunity in Matters of Public Employment",.
• It ensures that no discrimination is made in providing opportunities for public employment based on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of them​

Key Points of Article 16:

• Equality of Opportunity: It guarantees equal opportunity to all citizens of India in matters related to employment or appointment to any public office under the State.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: No citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence.

Exceptions for Reservations: The State can make provisions for reservations for:

• Backward classes of citizens (including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
• Certain positions in favor of residents of a particular area or state for specific jobs.

Special Provisions for Offices: Parliament may legislate for reservations or exemptions in matters related to employment under certain institutions, such as religious or charitable trusts.

• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. It is a broader right and does not specifically deal with public employment.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, but it primarily addresses issues like access to public places and general equality, not specific to employment.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, which is unrelated to public employment.

Information Booster:

The Right to Equality, enshrined in Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution is Fundamental Rights, specifically under Part III of the Indian Constitution.

Classification of Fundamental Rights

There are broadly six categories of fundamental rights, and they are as follows:

• Right to Equality (Article 14-18)
• Right to Freedom (Article 19-22)
• Right against Exploitation (Article 23-24
• Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25-28)
• Cultural and Educational Rights (Article 29-30)
• Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

There was one more fundamental right in the Constitution of India i.e., Right to property which was removed by 44^th Constitutional amendment.