The statement you provided is related to the Cooperative Sector in the Indian Constitution. Let's break it down:
Statement:
"Right to form cooperatives can also be constructed as a Fundamental Right, Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 19 (1) (c) as 'Right to form Associations or Unions."
Analysis:
Article 14 – Right to Equality:
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution ensures equality before the law and guarantees equal protection of the laws. While this article doesn't directly mention the right to form cooperatives, it provides the foundational right to equality that can be interpreted as allowing individuals to form associations, including cooperatives, in a manner consistent with the law.
Article 19(1)(c) – Right to form Associations or Unions:
Article 19(1)(c) specifically guarantees the right to form associations or unions. This provision allows individuals to form various kinds of associations, including political, social, or economic groups such as cooperatives.
The Right to form cooperatives can indeed be interpreted as falling under the broader scope of the right to form associations or unions. This interpretation allows individuals or groups to establish cooperatives for mutual benefit.
Cooperative Sector in the Constitution:
Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 43B): The Cooperative Sector has been explicitly recognized in the Indian Constitution under Article 43B, which directs the state to promote the formation and working of cooperatives as a means to improve the economic and social welfare of the people.
Constitutional Amendment (97th Amendment, 2011): The 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011) specifically recognized the importance of cooperatives. It added a provision under Article 19(1)(c) to explicitly include the right to form cooperatives as a part of fundamental rights, further promoting the cooperative movement in India.
Conclusion:
The statement is correct as it draws attention to the fact that the right to form cooperatives can be seen as an extension of the fundamental rights provided under Article 19(1)(c), and indirectly supported by the equality provision in Article 14.
In essence, the right to form cooperatives is a fundamental right in India under Article 19(1)(c), which guarantees the freedom to form associations, including cooperatives, and further reinforced by constitutional provisions promoting cooperatives as a means to enhance social and economic welfare.