Social Justice in India

SJ

Social Justice

Balancing equality, dignity, and opportunity in India's constitutional democracy through inclusive and equitable growth.

Social justice lies at the heart of the Indian Constitution, aiming to create an equitable society where every individual—irrespective of caste, class, gender, or creed—enjoys dignity, rights, and equal opportunities.

It harmonizes liberty, equality, and fraternity by ensuring fair distribution of resources and reducing structural inequalities. The idea extends beyond legal equality to include social, economic, and political empowerment for the historically disadvantaged. In a diverse country like India, social justice is both a constitutional goal and a continuing social movement shaped by evolving realities.

1. Concept of Casteism and Political Dynamics

Caste remains one of the most persistent and complex structures influencing India’s social order.

Despite modernization, urbanization, and legal prohibitions, caste identity continues to shape social mobility, marriage alliances, and political representation. Casteism refers to discrimination or privilege based on caste hierarchy. The Constitution abolished untouchability (Article 17) and guarantees equality (Article 14), yet social exclusion, honour killings, and caste-based violence still occur.

Political mobilization around caste identities—whether through Mandal politics, regional parties, or new social coalitions—has redefined democracy. Parties often rely on caste arithmetic to secure votes, leading to the rise of “social justice parties” like the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal. These movements, though criticized for vote-bank politics, gave voice to historically silenced groups.

Example: In 2025, communities in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district protested the internal reservation policy for SCs, symbolizing dissatisfaction with perceived injustice within affirmative action itself.

Similarly, Dalit movements such as the Dalit Spring highlight struggles against caste discrimination, focusing on land rights and representation. These movements reveal that political empowerment alone cannot eliminate caste barriers unless accompanied by socio-economic transformation. While urbanization dilutes traditional caste boundaries, social media often reproduces new forms of digital discrimination.

2. Reservation Policy Debate

Reservation policy remains the most visible instrument of social justice in India.

It seeks to correct historical oppression by providing quotas in education, employment, and legislatures for SCs, STs, and OBCs. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment added a 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). While affirmative action is widely accepted, debates persist over its scope and fairness.

Critics argue that reservation perpetuates caste identities and benefits the privileged within communities (the “creamy layer”), while supporters highlight its necessity to redress systemic inequalities.

Example: In 2025, Telangana’s decision to increase OBC reservation to 42% and reclassify 59 Scheduled Castes revived debate on the constitutional 50% cap set by the Indra Sawhney judgment (1992).

Reservation has enabled upward mobility, with growing enrolment of OBC and SC students in IITs and IIMs. However, campus discrimination and limited representation persist. The EWS quota expanded debate by including poverty as a criterion, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022. Reservation, thus, remains a tool of redistributive justice that must evolve with society’s realities.

3. Social Justice and Development

Development and social justice are inseparable pillars of equitable progress.

Economic growth without equity widens inequality; justice without development remains symbolic. Inclusive development ensures that the benefits of progress reach the marginalized. India’s policies now integrate social justice—through education, healthcare, and empowerment.

Example: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes have ensured ₹3.48 lakh crore transfers in 2025, reducing leakages and promoting inclusivity.

Initiatives like Digital India, JAM Trinity, PM-AWAS Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission empower the poor and improve dignity. Education through NEP 2020 and health via Ayushman Bharat are central to this inclusive model. Yet, regional and social disparities persist, demanding justice-oriented design in development strategies.

4. Social Security and Equity

Social security embodies the ethical duty of the state to protect citizens from vulnerabilities.

It ensures protection from unemployment, illness, disability, and old age. India’s social protection coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting nearly 94 crore people. Major schemes include Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, e-Shram Portal, Atal Pension Yojana, and PM Shram Yogi Maandhan.

Example: India won the ISSA Award 2025 for excellence in social security delivery, recognizing inclusive outreach and digital efficiency.

However, informal workers and rural women often face exclusion. Equity demands fairness in addressing unequal needs—through gender-sensitive and tribal-focused welfare. Social security is not charity but the backbone of an equitable developmental state.

5. Politics and Socio-Economics

Politics and socio-economics together shape the realization of social justice.

India’s overlapping inequalities of caste, class, gender, and region influence political priorities and governance. Political empowerment of women and marginalized groups through Panchayati Raj and legislative reservations has democratized public policy. Yet, elite capture and tokenism remain issues.

Economic inequality—where the top 10% hold 77% of national wealth—demands redistributive taxation and welfare focus. Schemes like PM-KISAN and MGNREGS alleviate rural distress but need stronger implementation.

Example: Welfare populism through free food and DBT before elections raises ethical concerns, while initiatives like One Nation, One Ration Card enhance accountability.

Politics mediates between recognition (identity-based justice) and redistribution (need-based welfare). Balancing the two ensures that justice remains inclusive and dynamic.

Conclusion

Social justice is both a moral vision and a constitutional commitment.

It represents India’s ongoing pursuit of equality, dignity, and inclusion amid its vast diversity. While caste hierarchies, gender bias, and regional disparities persist, reforms, welfare innovation, and civic activism continue to advance justice. The challenge lies not in lack of policies but in equitable execution.

True progress is measured not merely by growth but by how the weakest live with honour, freedom, and opportunity. Guided by the Constitution’s vision, India’s journey toward social justice remains a living testament to democracy’s promise of fairness and fraternity.