New Delhi, Feb 20: As the world observes the World Day of Social Justice on Thursday, concerns over widening inequality, environmental degradation and institutional challenges have come into sharp focus in India, with various sections of society reiterating calls for justice and accountability.
This year’s theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice,” follows deliberations at the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha in November 2025, and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration.
The theme underscores poverty eradication, promotion of decent work with fair wages and safe working conditions, inclusive growth, and the recognition of social justice as foundational to global peace.
However, activists and observers note that translating these commitments into tangible outcomes remains a challenge.
A 2024 working paper titled Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922–2023: The Rise of the Billionaire Raj highlights a sharp rise in wealth concentration in recent years.
According to the study, the top one per cent accounted for 22.6 per cent of total income and 40.1 per cent of total wealth in 2022–23. The period between 2014–15 and 2022–23 witnessed a particularly pronounced increase in wealth inequality.
The findings have intensified concerns that the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with critics arguing that the benefits of economic growth have not been equitably distributed.
Environmental indicators have also raised alarms. India ranked 176 out of 180 countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, and 177 in air quality.
The index assesses countries across parameters including biodiversity, emissions, air and water quality, and climate change mitigation.
Experts attribute India’s low ranking in part to its continued reliance on coal, contributing to high greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution. Several Indian cities remain among the most polluted globally, intensifying demands for environmental justice.
Debates over proposed reforms such as the Uniform Civil Code and the “One Nation, One Election” initiative have also fuelled public discourse. While supporters describe them as measures aimed at streamlining governance, critics contend that they raise constitutional and federal concerns.
Questions have additionally been raised in recent years over the functioning and perceived independence of institutions such as the Election Commission, investigative agencies and other statutory bodies. Controversies surrounding demonetisation and electoral bonds continue to feature in public debate.
On the rule of law front, India ranked 86 out of 143 countries in the 2025 Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project, reflecting ongoing governance and institutional challenges.
Women and children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, refugees, academics and human rights defenders are among the groups articulating concerns related to dignity, equality and justice.
As Social Justice Day is marked globally, voices across India continue to call for concrete measures to address poverty, ensure decent work, promote inclusive growth and strengthen institutional accountability, underscoring that the pursuit of social justice remains a work in progress.
