EDUCARE
We have been hearing terms like social justice very often. Well, it is like justice in relation to the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society where individuals' rights are recognized and protected. In Asian cultures, the concept of social justice has often referred to the process of ensuring that individuals fulfill their societal roles and receive their due from society. In the current movements for social justice, the emphasis has been on the breaking of barriers for social mobility, the creation of safety nets, and economic justice. Social justice assigns rights and duties in the institutions of society, which enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation.
The United Nations General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. On 26 November 2007, the UB General Assembly declared that, starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, 20 February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.
This year’s focus theme is ‘Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future’. We should know that strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future means making sure our move toward low-carbon economies benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable. It requires a holistic approach that weaves environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that workers, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities receive the support they need—through retraining, job creation, and strong social protection measures. In other words, decarbonization and economic transformation should go hand in hand with policies that fight poverty, reduce inequality, and open up opportunities for all.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10th June 2008. This landmark Declaration is a powerful reaffirmation of ILO values. It is the outcome of tripartite consultations that started in the wake of the Report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization.
It is important to have social justice and in India we have ministries that focus on social justice and empowerment. This brings career opportunities and also options for individuals to choose social justice as their career options. The Ministry of Social Justice in India has different commissions or boards or institutes that engage trained and qualified persons in the field.
Aspirants may study courses like Master of Social Work, Development Studies, Disability Study, Women Studies, etc apart from other social science subjects. One may also study law and become an advocate ensuring social justice. One may also study climate change and work in the theme of this year which focuses on just transition for a sustainable future. One may get jobs in government agencies, social originations , media houses , etc that focus on social justice.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for SafaiKaramcharis, National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes., National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National SafaiKaramcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), Development and Welfare Board for the Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, BabuJagjivan Ram National Foundation, etc are agencies or institutes under Ministry of Social Justice , Government of India. One must be passionate apart from having qualification to excel in this field
(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or bkranjan@gmail.com)
