Social Justice and Empowerment of Disadvantaged Groups in India

In India, development planning in recent years has seen a visible shift from the mere expansion of production of goods and services, and the consequent growth of per capita income, to planning for the enhancement of human well-being. Important social problems - poverty, over-population, rural backwardness, etc. - are influenced by factors such as bad housing, malnutrition, family disorganization, and a low standard of living. For a long time, society has remained apathetic to these...
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In India, development planning in recent years has seen a visible shift from the mere expansion of production of goods and services, and the consequent growth of per capita income, to planning for the enhancement of human well-being. Important social problems - poverty, over-population, rural backwardness, etc. - are influenced by factors such as bad housing, malnutrition, family disorganization, and a low standard of living. For a long time, society has remained apathetic to these conditions, but with the awakening of political consciousness and the enthusiasm of organizations Ã?Ã?and workers to improve social conditions, there is a possibility of developing programs which could gradually remedy the present situation. India's development efforts have not benefited different social groups equitably. Certain social groups - such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and other minorities - have historically been disadvantaged and vulnerable. Women belonging to SCs and STs are in a far worse situation by all development indicators, with poverty and deprivation affecting them more adversely. This book looks at the current state of India's policies towards the disadvantaged groups. The concept of inclusive growth demands that all social groups have equal access to the services provided by public authorities and equal opportunity for upward economic and social mobility.