World Day of Social Justice

Syllabus: GS2/Social Justice

Context

• World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20th by the United Nations.

About

• Established by UNGA: It was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the 62nd session on November 26, 2007. 
• Focus: On addressing poverty, exclusion, unemployment, and promoting solidarity, equality, and opportunity.
• Role of ILO: The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes social justice through the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008) and the Decent Work Agenda.
• Aligned with UN Initiatives: Aligned with the UN’s mission, including the Social Protection Floor launched in 2009, ensuring basic social guarantees for all.

Evolution of Social Justice in India

• World Day of Social Justice (2009): India has observed this day since 2009, symbolizing its commitment to social justice.
• Independence Movement Influence: Social justice in India has roots in the struggle for independence, which laid the groundwork for equality, dignity, and justice.
• Constitutional Foundation: The Indian Constitution is the cornerstone of social justice, ensuring equality, dignity, and justice for all, especially marginalized communities.
• Key Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Preamble: Ensures social, economic, and political justice, guarantees equality, and promotes fraternity for national unity.
  • Fundamental Rights (Part III):
    • Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
    • Article 24: Bans child labor in hazardous occupations.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV):
  • Article 37: Highlights the importance of DPSPs in governance.
  • Article 38: Directs the State to reduce inequalities.
  • Article 39: Promotes equal livelihood, fair wages, and protection from exploitation.
  • Article 39A: Guarantees free legal aid.
  • Article 46: Focuses on education and economic upliftment for SCs, STs, and weaker sections.
• Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: In 1985-86, the Ministry of Welfare was bifurcated into the Department of Women & Child Development and the Department of Welfare, incorporating divisions from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law.
  • It was later renamed the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in May 1998.
  • Key focus Areas: education, economic support, rehabilitation, and empowerment.
  • Targeted Community Welfare: Focuses on uplifting SCs, OBCs, senior citizens, victims of substance abuse, transgender persons, DNTs, and EWS through policies and initiatives promoting equity and inclusion.
• Union Budget 2025-26: Allocation of Rs 13,611 crores for MoSJE, reflecting a 6% increase for welfare schemes aimed at empowering marginalized communities.

Key Initiatives by the Government of India

• Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY): It merges 3 schemes for skill development, income generation, and infrastructure in SC-dominated villages.
  • Three Components: Adarsh Gram development, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects and Hostel construction in higher education institutions.
• Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools (SRESHTA):
  • Provides financial assistance for SC students in classes 9-12 in high-quality residential schools.
  • Supports CBSE/State Board-affiliated private schools and NGOs/VOs running residential/non-residential schools and hostels.
  • Aims to bridge service gaps and promote socio-economic upliftment of SC communities.
• Purple Fests (Festival of Inclusion):
  • Organized by DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment since 2023.
  • In 2024, over 10,000 Divyangjan and their escorts participated.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA, 2020): Aims to make India drug-free by targeting 272 high-risk districts.
  • Follows a three-pronged approach: supply reduction (NCB), demand reduction (MoSJ&E), and treatment (Health Dept).
  • Reached 13.57 crore people, including 4.42 crore youth and 2.71 crore women, with participation from 3.85 lakh educational institutions.
• PM-DAKSH Yojana (2021):
  • Aims to enhance skill levels of marginalized communities (SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis) for economic empowerment.
  • Provides free short-term and long-term training with a ₹450.25 crore budget (2021-26).
  • Ensures at least 70% placement in wage/self-employment, targeting individuals aged 18-45.
• SMILE Scheme:
  • Focuses on the rehabilitation of transgender individuals and people engaged in begging.
  • Aims to create a “Begging-free India” through surveys, awareness campaigns, shelter homes, skills training, alternative livelihoods, and SHG formation.
  • Active in 81 cities, with plans to expand to 50 more cities.
• NAMASTE Scheme (2023-24):
  • A joint initiative by MoSJ&E and MoHUA to ensure safety, dignity, and livelihood for sanitation workers in urban India.
  • Integrates the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) and expands coverage to waste pickers from FY 2024-25.

Source: PIB