24-February-2025-Editorial

WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE (WDSJ) 2025

The United Nations (UN) observed World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) on 20th February 2025 to promote equity, inclusion, and social protection.

The 2025 theme, “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice,” highlights the need for inclusive policies and a fair transition towards a sustainable future.

What is World Day of Social Justice?

WDSJ is a United Nations initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote social justice, human rights, and equal access to opportunities.

The UN General Assembly officially designated it on 26th November 2007 to reinforce social equity in economic and social policies.

Role of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

The ILO plays a key role in social justice advocacy:

• Adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008) to address globalization-related inequalities.
• Expands on the Philadelphia Declaration (1944) and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998).
• Launched Social Protection Floors (2009) to establish minimum social security standards and reduce poverty.

Social Justice in India

Role of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the nodal body responsible for the welfare and upliftment of marginalized communities.

It focuses on supporting:

• Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Senior Citizens.
• Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).
• Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
• Transgender Persons.
• Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).
• Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).

Significance of Social Justice

Addressing Globalization Challenges

• The ILO declaration on social justice emphasizes fair economic policies to ensure equity in globalization.
• It advocates for fundamental rights, fair wages, and decent work conditions.

Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• The observance of WDSJ supports the UN’s commitment to:

• Decent work and fair globalization.
• Protection of workers’ rights.
• Social security for vulnerable groups.
• Encouraging dialogue on social and economic policies.

Ensuring Global Stability

• Social justice is critical for peace and security, as inequalities, labor insecurities, and economic disparities can lead to social unrest.
• It aims to reduce economic discrimination and exclusion, which can fuel instability.

Persistent Challenges

• The world still faces significant hurdles in achieving social justice:

• Poverty and economic instability.
• Exclusion and lack of representation.
• Financial crises affecting marginalized communities.
• Limited access to education, employment, and healthcare.

Constitutional Provisions for Social Justice in India

Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution guarantees:

• Social, economic, and political justice.
• Equal status and opportunities for all citizens.
• Fraternity and dignity to ensure national integrity.

Fundamental Rights Supporting Social Justice

• Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
• Article 24: Bans child labor in hazardous industries to protect children’s safety and education.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Article 38: Directs the state to eliminate social and economic inequalities.
• Article 39: Ensures equal work opportunities, fair wages, and protection from exploitation.
• Article 39A: Guarantees free legal aid to disadvantaged communities.
• Article 46: Mandates special welfare measures for SCs, STs, and weaker sections to prevent discrimination.

Initiatives for Social Justice in India

PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana)

Aims to uplift Scheduled Castes (SCs) through:

• Skill development programs.
• Income generation projects.
• Infrastructure development in SC-dominated villages.

It includes three key components:

• Model Village (Adarsh Gram) development.
• Financial aid for socio-economic projects.
• Hostel construction for SC students in higher education.

SRESHTA (Scheme for Residential Education for High School Students in Targeted Areas)

• Supports SC students (Classes 9-12) by funding top CBSE and state-board schools.
• Provides financial assistance to NGOs for running residential and non-residential schools and hostels.

Purple Fests: Festival of Inclusion

• Promotes dignity, equality, and respect for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).
• Encourages awareness and social participation.

NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem)

• Ensures dignified and safe working conditions for sanitation workers.
• Expanded in FY 2024-25 to include waste pickers for livelihood and safety measures.

SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise)

• Focuses on the rehabilitation of transgender individuals and persons engaged in begging.
• Implemented across 81 cities, helping over 7,660 beggars, with 970 rehabilitated (as of November 2024).

PM-DAKSH Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana)

• Provides free skill training to SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and Safai Karamcharis.
• Aims to enhance employability and economic independence.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)

• A nationwide campaign for a drug-free India.
• Targets 272 high-risk districts with a three-pronged approach:

1. Supply control (Narcotics Control Bureau).
2. Awareness and demand reduction (MoSJE).
3. Treatment and rehabilitation (Ministry of Health).

• Since August 2020, the campaign has reached 13.57 crore people, including 4.42 crore youth, with 3.85 lakh educational institutions participating.

Conclusion

India is actively working to bridge social and economic inequalities through constitutional safeguards and targeted welfare programs. By expanding inclusive policies, promoting skill development, and supporting vulnerable communities, the government aims to foster dignity, equity, and sustainable development. These efforts align with global commitments to social justice, ensuring a more inclusive and fair society for all.