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Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-20 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Poverty, Issues Related to Disability, Welfare Schemes ///Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-20 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Poverty, Issues Related to Disability, Welfare Schemes ///

Source: PIB · GS Paper 2

World Day of Social Justice 2026

The United Nations observes World Day of Social Justice on 20 February each year to promote poverty eradication, decent work, gender equality and social inclusion. The 2026 theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”, underscores India’s constitutional mandate of liberty, equality and fraternity and its policy focus on welfare schemes and disability inclusion.

2026-02-20

Published

Source: PIB

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Quiz Questions

Article

Key Facts and Data Points

Date of observation: 20 February 2026
Theme 2026: Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice
Origin: Rooted in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration; proclaimed by UNGA in 2007; first observed in 2009.
Pillars of Social Justice: Poverty eradication, decent work, gender equality, social inclusion.
Key Institutions:
International Labour Organization (ILO) – Decent Work Agenda
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) – Policy integration
Civil society organisations – Advocacy on economic, labour, climate and digital strategies.
SDG Alignment: Directly supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Background and Context

World Day of Social Justice provides a global platform for nations to reaffirm their commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India – social, economic and political justice, along with liberty, equality and fraternity. India, through the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, aligns its welfare schemes (e.g., National Social Assistance Programme, Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme) with the UN’s agenda.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Policy Integration: Reinforces the need to mainstream social justice in economic planning, labour reforms and digital transformation.
Welfare Schemes: Highlights the importance of expanding coverage for the poor, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities.
International Commitment: Demonstrates India’s role in global governance forums like the UN and ILO, influencing norms on decent work and inclusive growth.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 41 – Right to work, education and public assistance.
Article 46 – Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 – Guarantees equality and non‑discrimination.
National Food Security Act, 2013 – Ensures food entitlement for the poor.

Exam Relevance

Prelims: Date, theme, SDG linkages, key institutions.
Mains: Analytical questions on integrating social justice in policy, evaluation of welfare schemes, India's role in global governance.

References

World Day of Social Justice 2025