Social Justice remains an agonised cry of victims in India’s history, a poor reflection on our national commitment to equality and inclusivity after 77 years of independence, self-rule and the endeavour to maintain the façade of a democratically elected responsible secular government or whatever.
After 76 years of independence we have as of June 30, 2023, around 80.10 crore beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India which includes 8.95 crore beneficiaries of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and 71.15 crore beneficiaries of the Priority Households (PHH).
The central government will provide free food grains to 81.35 crore beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for 5 years starting from Jan 01, 2024 for 5 years. Is this statement of the status of hunger in India encouraging?
The mute question – the cost of this largess is to be borne by which department or agency and for how long is this public fund to be abused for the inefficiencies of our politicians and bureaucrats?
Campaigning for social justice has been a cornerstone of India’s democratic and economic policies to this day. Individuals, activists and political movements tirelessly trumpet issues of discrimination, caste-based inequalities and gender-disparity to achieve what? To whom are we addressing our grievances?
Crime – growth of a parallel ever increasing, profitable, all-encompassing mercantile activity with assured protection. Incidents of brutality, violence, lynching and murder without any fear of the law enforcement establishment are now in place with majority support. Discussions regarding social justice – economic inequities fade away as inconsequential – what purpose can they serve?
In our civic and social environment the state of our scavengers working inside sewers unprotected and daily deaths is conveniently swept under the carpet not even deserving attention. Rag-pickers, the most vital part of our garbage disposal system throughout India are still there living in worse, organised deprivation.
aurobindo
ADVOCACY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Curator
