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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Bridging historical Injustices: The role of affirmative action in realizing social justice for SCs and STs in India
Authors
Sachi Srivastava
Abstract
Affirmative action is a strategic policy
mechanism aimed at addressing historical and systemic inequalities by ensuring
equitable access to education, employment, and social welfare for marginalized
communities. In the Indian context, affirmative action is primarily implemented
through reservation policies targeted at Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
Tribes (STs), communities historically oppressed under the rigid social
hierarchy of the caste system. These policies seek to promote social justice by
enabling SCs and STs to participate more fully in public life, thereby
enhancing their social, economic, and political status. Social justice is a
concept that seeks to establish a fair and equitable society by ensuring equal
rights, opportunities, and social status for all individuals, irrespective of
their background. It aims to eliminate social hierarchies, economic
disparities, and discrimination, promoting a just social order where every
individual can achieve their potential with dignity and respect. In India,
social justice is not just a moral ideal but a constitutional mandate embedded
in the Preamble, Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-18), and Directive Principles
of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 46) of the Indian Constitution. Affirmative
action is not merely a compensatory measure but a transformative policy aimed
at dismantling historical hierarchies and achieving social justice. It aligns
with Rawls' Theory of Justice, which advocates for policies that benefit the
least advantaged sections of society. In the Indian context, affirmative action
for SCs and STs seeks to create a level playing field by addressing historical
injustices, promoting social integration, and empowering marginalized
communities.
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Pages:53-60
How to cite this article:
Sachi Srivastava "Bridging historical Injustices: The role of affirmative action in realizing social justice for SCs and STs in India". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 53-60
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