Q: Part A (Q1): Define Social Justice.

Social Justice is the concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. It implies that all individuals have equal opportunities, access to resources, and protection of their rights, regardless of their background, caste, religion, gender, or economic status. In the Indian context, it specifically refers to removing social and economic inequalities and eliminating practices like untouchability and discrimination, ensuring a dignified life for marginalized sections.

Q: Part A (Q2): Explain the concept of Welfare State.

A Welfare State is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. A welfare state provides free or subsidized education, healthcare, social security, and housing.

Q: Part A (Q3): What is Social Welfare?

Social Welfare refers to the organized system of social services, institutions, and programs designed to aid individuals and groups to attain satisfying standards of life and health. It encompasses activities and interventions that seek to prevent, alleviate, or contribute to the solution of recognized social problems. It targets vulnerable populations (like children, the elderly, disabled persons, and the poor) to improve their well-being and ensure they can function optimally within society.

Q: Part A (Q4): Delineate the role of social worker in promoting social justice.

Role of a Social Worker in Promoting Social Justice: 1) Advocacy: Speaking up for marginalized groups and lobbying for fair policies and laws. 2) Empowerment: Educating oppressed communities about their rights and organizing them to demand justice. 3) Challenging Discrimination: Actively fighting against casteism, sexism, and racism in communities and institutions. 4) Resource Linkage: Connecting disadvantaged individuals to social welfare schemes, legal aid, and essential services. 5) Research and Awareness: Documenting human rights violations and raising public awareness.

Q: Part B (Q5): Write a note on Social Injustice and Mandate for Social Justice.

Social Injustice refers to the unfair and unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, leading to marginalization based on caste, class, gender, or religion. Mandate for Social Justice: The Indian Constitution provides a strong mandate for social justice. The Preamble explicitly promises "Justice, social, economic and political." Part III (Fundamental Rights) ensures equality and abolishes untouchability (Art. 17). Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the State to minimize inequalities in income and status and promote the welfare of the people (Art. 38, 39).

Q: Part B (Q6): Highlight various Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Fundamental Rights are the basic human rights enshrined in Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Constitution of India. They are guaranteed to all citizens to ensure they live with dignity, liberty, and equality. They are justifiable in a court of law. The six main rights are: 1) Right to Equality (Art. 14-18) 2) Right to Freedom (Art. 19-22) 3) Right against Exploitation (Art. 23-24) 4) Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25-28) 5) Cultural and Educational Rights (Art. 29-30) 6) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32) .

Q: Part B (Q7): Discuss the role of social legislations in social welfare.

Role of Social Legislations in Social Welfare: Social legislation serves as the legal framework for social welfare. 1) Protection: It protects vulnerable groups (children, women, disabled) from exploitation and abuse (e.g., Child Labour Act). 2) Empowerment: It provides legal rights and entitlements, allowing marginalized groups to demand what they are owed (e.g., MGNREGA). 3) Regulation: It regulates working conditions, wages, and social security (e.g., Minimum Wages Act). 4) Eradication of Evils: It legally bans regressive social practices (e.g., Dowry Prohibition Act). 5) Institutional Support: It creates welfare boards and commissions.

Q: Part B (Q8): Explain the important features of Child Labour (Regulation & Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Child Labour (Regulation and Prohibition) Act, 1986: Prohibition: It completely prohibits the employment of children (under 14 years of age) in specified hazardous occupations and processes (like mining, matchbox making, glass blowing, bidi making). Regulation: For non-hazardous occupations, it regulates the working conditions of children. It limits working hours (not more than 3 hours without a 1-hour rest, max 6 hours a day), prohibits night work (between 7 PM and 8 AM), and mandates a weekly holiday. Penalties: Employers violating the prohibition face imprisonment (3 months to 1 year) and/or fines.

Q: Part C (Q10): Elucidate the main provisions of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: It aims to prevent discrimination against women in employment. Key features: 1) Equal Pay for Equal Work: Mandates the payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for performing the same work or work of a similar nature. 2) No Discrimination in Recruitment: Employers cannot discriminate against women while recruiting for the same or similar work, or in promotions and training. 3) Advisory Committees: Sets up committees to promote employment opportunities for women. 4) Penalties: Employers violating the act face fines and imprisonment.

Question 1

Part A (Q1): Define Social Justice.

Accepted Answer

Social Justice is the concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. It implies that all individuals have equal opportunities, access to resources, and protection of their rights, regardless of their background, caste, religion, gender, or economic status. In the Indian context, it specifically refers to removing social and economic inequalities and eliminating practices like untouchability and discrimination, ensuring a dignified life for marginalized sections.

Question 2

Part A (Q2): Explain the concept of Welfare State.

Accepted Answer

A Welfare State is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. A welfare state provides free or subsidized education, healthcare, social security, and housing.

Question 3

Part A (Q3): What is Social Welfare?

Accepted Answer

Social Welfare refers to the organized system of social services, institutions, and programs designed to aid individuals and groups to attain satisfying standards of life and health. It encompasses activities and interventions that seek to prevent, alleviate, or contribute to the solution of recognized social problems. It targets vulnerable populations (like children, the elderly, disabled persons, and the poor) to improve their well-being and ensure they can function optimally within society.

Question 4

Part A (Q4): Delineate the role of social worker in promoting social justice.

Accepted Answer

Role of a Social Worker in Promoting Social Justice: 1) Advocacy: Speaking up for marginalized groups and lobbying for fair policies and laws. 2) Empowerment: Educating oppressed communities about their rights and organizing them to demand justice. 3) Challenging Discrimination: Actively fighting against casteism, sexism, and racism in communities and institutions. 4) Resource Linkage: Connecting disadvantaged individuals to social welfare schemes, legal aid, and essential services. 5) Research and Awareness: Documenting human rights violations and raising public awareness.

Question 5

Part B (Q5): Write a note on Social Injustice and Mandate for Social Justice.

Accepted Answer

Social Injustice refers to the unfair and unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, leading to marginalization based on caste, class, gender, or religion.
Mandate for Social Justice: The Indian Constitution provides a strong mandate for social justice. The Preamble explicitly promises "Justice, social, economic and political." Part III (Fundamental Rights) ensures equality and abolishes untouchability (Art. 17). Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the State to minimize inequalities in income and status and promote the welfare of the people (Art. 38, 39).

Question 6

Part B (Q6): Highlight various Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Accepted Answer

Fundamental Rights are the basic human rights enshrined in Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Constitution of India. They are guaranteed to all citizens to ensure they live with dignity, liberty, and equality. They are justifiable in a court of law. The six main rights are: 1) Right to Equality (Art. 14-18) 2) Right to Freedom (Art. 19-22) 3) Right against Exploitation (Art. 23-24) 4) Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25-28) 5) Cultural and Educational Rights (Art. 29-30) 6) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32).

Question 7

Part B (Q7): Discuss the role of social legislations in social welfare.

Accepted Answer

Role of Social Legislations in Social Welfare: Social legislation serves as the legal framework for social welfare. 1) Protection: It protects vulnerable groups (children, women, disabled) from exploitation and abuse (e.g., Child Labour Act). 2) Empowerment: It provides legal rights and entitlements, allowing marginalized groups to demand what they are owed (e.g., MGNREGA). 3) Regulation: It regulates working conditions, wages, and social security (e.g., Minimum Wages Act). 4) Eradication of Evils: It legally bans regressive social practices (e.g., Dowry Prohibition Act). 5) Institutional Support: It creates welfare boards and commissions.

Question 8

Part B (Q8): Explain the important features of Child Labour (Regulation & Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Accepted Answer

Child Labour (Regulation and Prohibition) Act, 1986:
Prohibition: It completely prohibits the employment of children (under 14 years of age) in specified hazardous occupations and processes (like mining, matchbox making, glass blowing, bidi making).
Regulation: For non-hazardous occupations, it regulates the working conditions of children. It limits working hours (not more than 3 hours without a 1-hour rest, max 6 hours a day), prohibits night work (between 7 PM and 8 AM), and mandates a weekly holiday.
Penalties: Employers violating the prohibition face imprisonment (3 months to 1 year) and/or fines.

Question 9

Part C (Q9): Highlight the salient features of The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000.

Accepted Answer

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000: 1) Bifurcation: Clearly separates children into two categories: "Juveniles in conflict with law" (who committed an offense) and "Children in need of care and protection" (orphans, abused, abandoned). 2) Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB): Established to handle cases of juveniles in conflict with the law using a restorative, child-friendly approach. 3) Child Welfare Committees (CWC): Established to look after the welfare, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of children in need of care. 4) Institutions: Setup of observation homes, special homes, and shelter homes.

Question 10

Part C (Q10): Elucidate the main provisions of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

Accepted Answer

Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: It aims to prevent discrimination against women in employment. Key features: 1) Equal Pay for Equal Work: Mandates the payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for performing the same work or work of a similar nature. 2) No Discrimination in Recruitment: Employers cannot discriminate against women while recruiting for the same or similar work, or in promotions and training. 3) Advisory Committees: Sets up committees to promote employment opportunities for women. 4) Penalties: Employers violating the act face fines and imprisonment.

Question 11

Part C (Q11): What are Human Rights? Highlight the main features of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Accepted Answer

Human Rights are universal, inalienable rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, or religion. They are the basic standards required for people to live with dignity.
Main Features of the UDHR (1948): 1) Universality: Applies to all people everywhere. 2) Inalienability: Rights cannot be taken away. 3) Indivisibility: Civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are interconnected. 4) Equality: All are born free and equal (Article 1 & 2). 5) Comprehensive scope: Covers right to life, freedom from torture, right to work, education, and an adequate standard of living.

Social Justice, Human Rights and Social Welfare in India