Blitz Bureau
WORLD Day of Social Justice, observed annually on February 20 by the United Nations, serves as a global call to action for addressing poverty, exclusion, and unemployment while promoting solidarity, harmony, and equality of opportunity within and between societies.
Aligned with the ethos of the Day, India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has intensified efforts to bridge socioeconomic gaps through legislative reforms, grassroots empowerment, and global partnerships. India has observed the World Day of Social Justice since 2009. The evolution of social justice and empowerment in India has been a gradual but progressive process influenced by historical struggles, constitutional mandates, and policy developments. The vision of social justice and empowerment has been deeply rooted in India’s independence movement and the vision laid down by the Constitution to ensure equality, dignity, and justice for all citizens, especially the marginalised communities.
Ministry’s vision
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 (MoSJE) in May 1998.
The ministry envisions building an inclusive society where marginalised groups can lead productive, safe, and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It strives to empower these groups through educational, economic, and social development programmes, along with rehabilitation initiatives where necessary. Through targeted policies and interventions, the Government aims to foster equity and inclusion in society. The following are the key initiatives:
Key initiatives
PM-AJAY: Launched in 2021-22, the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) merges three schemes to uplift SC communities through skill development, income generation, and infrastructure in Schedule Caste dominated villages. SRESHTA: The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA) aims to bridge service gaps in Schedule Caste dominant areas by supporting grant-in-aid institutions and high-quality residential schools. It provides financial assistance to top CBSE/ State Board-affiliated private schools for SC students in Classes 9 and 11, ensuring education till Class 12.
Purple Fests: These festivals of Inclusion have been organised since 2023. In 2024, the event welcomed over 10,000 Divyangjan and their escorts, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual respect. Purple Fest is a movement towards a more equitable society, championing the values of accessibility, dignity, and equal opportunity for all.
NAMASTE: The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Central scheme launched in FY2023-24 as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India.
Begging-free India
SMILE: The Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at the rehabilitation of transgender individuals and persons engaged in begging. Its primary objective is to create a ‘Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (Beggingfree India) by ensuring the reintegration of beggars into mainstream society. As of November 15 last year, 7,660 individuals engaged in begging have been identified, out of which 970 have been successfully rehabilitated.
PM-DAKSH Yojana: Launched on August 7, 2021, it aims to enhance the skill levels of marginalised communities, including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and safai karamcharis, for economic empowerment through free skill training. The scheme, with a budget of Rs 450.25 crore (2021-26), provides short-term and long-term training to facilitate wage and self-employment.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Launched on August 15, 2020, it aims to make India drug-free by targeting 272 highrisk districts, identified through a national survey and NCB inputs. The campaign follows a three-pronged approach: curbing supply, awareness and demand reduction, and treatment.
Renewed commitment
As the world grapples with economic challenges, the World Day of Social Justice renews commitments to equity and inclusion, reminding us that injustice anywhere affects all of humanity. While progress has been made, much remains to be done. India has embraced this vision through legislative reforms, grassroots programs, and targeted welfare initiatives. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment plays a key role in uplifting marginalised communities, aligning its efforts with global frameworks like the Decent Work Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to uphold justice and equality.
Through multiple initiatives, it has empowered disadvantaged groups with education, skills, and economic opportunities. Increased budget allocations, inclusive platforms and expanded social protection measures highlight the Government’s commitment to fostering justice and inclusion.
