The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and in force since 1976, is a core international human rights treaty that obligates States to recognize and progressively realize a broad range of economic, social, and cultural rights. These include the rights to work, fair wages, safe working conditions, social security, family protection, an adequate standard of living (including food, clothing, and housing), health, education, and participation in cultural life. The Covenant emphasizes the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the indivisibility of all human rights, affirming that these rights are essential for human dignity and well-being.
India ratified the ICESCR in 1979, signaling its commitment to uphold these rights for its citizens. Over the decades, India has taken several legislative and policy steps aligned with the Covenant, such as:
● Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009)
● Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
● National Food Security Act (2013)
● Ayushman Bharat - PM-JAY (health coverage for low-income families)
● National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Despite challenges related to poverty, inequality, and access, India has increasingly recognized economic, social, and cultural rights as justiciable, particularly through proactive judicial interpretation by Indian courts that link these rights to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) plays a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the ICESCR. It monitors state compliance with socio-economic rights, investigates violations, and issues recommendations to ensure better protection and delivery of these rights. The NHRC has also advocated for the rights of vulnerable populations, including informal workers, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities, often referencing international human rights standards such as the ICESCR in its reports and advisories. By promoting awareness, accountability, and policy reform, the NHRC acts as a bridge between India’s international obligations and national implementation efforts.
