Correct option is A
The correct answer is (A) 44th Amendment Act of 1978
The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 added a new Directive Principle to the Constitution of India that addresses the minimisation of inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.
This was done by inserting Clause (2) into Article 38 of the Indian Constitution, which specifically mandates that the State should work towards reducing inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities for individuals and groups in different regions and professions.
The purpose of this amendment was to strengthen the State's dedication to lessening socio-economic gaps and fostering a more equitable society, in line with the social justice principles enshrined in the Preamble.
Article 38(2): "The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing that the ownership and control of material resources of the community are so distributed as to subserve the common good."
This Directive Principle emphasizes economic equality, encouraging policies aimed at narrowing disparities between rich and poor, and creating opportunities for all citizens to benefit from the nation's development.
Option B (86th Amendment Act of 2002): Incorrect. The 86th Amendment Act primarily focused on the right to education for children aged 6-14, making it a fundamental right.
Option C (42nd Amendment Act of 1976): Incorrect. The 42nd Amendment focused on enhancing the socialist and secular character of the Indian Constitution but did not address the specific issue of inequalities in income and status.
Option D (97th Amendment Act of 2011): Incorrect. The 97th Amendment Act pertained to cooperative societies and their governance, not to economic inequalities.