Constitutional Directive on Child Protection

The Constitution of India includes Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aimed at guiding the State in governance. These principles, though not enforceable in courts, are fundamental to the country's administration.

Article 39(f) Explained

Article 39 outlines certain principles of policy to be followed by the State. Specifically, Article 39(f) mandates that the State shall strive to secure:

• Opportunities and facilities for children to develop healthily.
• Conditions of freedom and dignity for children.
• Protection for childhood and youth against exploitation.
• Protection against moral and material abandonment of childhood and youth.

This clause directly addresses the protection of childhood and youth from exploitation and abandonment, as mentioned in the question.

Identifying the Correct Article

The question asks which article directs the State policy to protect childhood and youth against exploitation and moral and material abandonment. Based on the text of the Constitution of India:

• Article 39(a) deals with securing adequate means of livelihood for men and women equally.
• Article 39(c) deals with securing the operation of the economic system to prevent concentration of wealth and means of production.
• Article 39A deals with equal justice and free legal aid.
• Article 39(f) explicitly covers the protection of childhood and youth.

Therefore, Article 39(f) is the correct provision.