1st Regional Dialogue on Social Justice

• 26 Feb 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The first ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the Global Coalition for Social Justice was held in New Delhi. 

• It also marked the 74^th Foundation Day of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) (founded on 24^th February 1952). 

What is the Global Coalition for Social Justice? 

• About: Launched in 2023 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), it aims to tackle social justice deficits and fast-track progress toward the SDGs. 
• Objective: It promotes strong, sustainable, and inclusive development through global solidarity, policy coherence, and coordinated action among various stakeholders. 
• Membership: It is open to governments, organizations, businesses, and academia, with members committed to social justice and labor rights under UN and ILO principles. 
  • Membership is voluntary and India is a member. 

What are India’s Constitutional Provisions on Social Justice? 

• Preamble: It ensures social, economic, and political justice, and guarantees equality of status and opportunity. 
• Fundamental Rights: Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour and Article 24 bans child labour in hazardous occupations. 
• Directive Principles of State Policy: 
  • Article 38: It directs the State to reduce social and economic inequalities.  
  • Article 39: It ensures equal livelihood, fair wages, and protection from exploitation.   
  • Article 39A: It guarantees free legal aid for disadvantaged people.   
  • Article 46: It mandates special educational and economic promotion for SCs, STs, and weaker sections to prevent discrimination. 

ESIC 

• About: It is a statutory body formed under the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 and functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 
• Purpose: It provides social security and health insurance to employees in establishments with 10 or more employees (in less than 10 employees if it’s a hazardous industry e.g., firecrackers, toxic chemicals etc). 
• Eligibility: Employees earning up to Rs 21,000 per month. 
• Benefits Provided: Medical care, sickness benefit, Maternity benefit, disability benefit, dependent’s Benefit, and unemployment allowance. 

Note: The ILO's World Social Protection Report 2024-26 shows India's social protection coverage (excluding health) rose from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024. 

• The employability of Indian graduates has risen from 33.95% in 2013 to 54.81% in 2024. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q.‘Economic Justice’ as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in (2013) 

(a) the Preamble and the Fundamental Rights 

(b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy 

(c) the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy 

(d) None of the above 

Ans: (b)