Ans. Social Justice is a principle that emphasizes the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It aims to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to equality, dignity, and basic rights. Social justice is deeply rooted in the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and human rights.

Poverty as an obstacle to social justice

Equity: Poverty reinforces systemic inequalities by limiting access to education, healthcare, and jobs, widening the gap between privileged and disadvantaged groups and undermining fairness.
Access: Financial and infrastructural constraints restrict access to essential services, depriving the poor of basic rights and trapping them in cycles of deprivation.
Participation: Poverty marginalizes individuals, silencing their voices in decision-making processes and perpetuating exclusion and inequalities.
Rights & Dignity: Poverty strips individuals of dignity, exposing them to exploitation and discrimination, leading to systemic injustice and alienation.
Redistribution: High poverty levels strain resources and limit redistribution efforts, resulting in persistent economic disparities and deepening social divides.
Poverty Alleviation Programs:
1. MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): Provides guaranteed employment to rural households, ensuring income security and reducing poverty.
2. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP): Offers financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals, fostering social equity.
Food Security and Nutrition:
1. Public Distribution System (PDS): Supplies subsidized food grains to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
2. Poshan Abhiyaan: Addresses malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, promoting health equity.
Affordable Housing:
1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Provides affordable housing for the urban and rural poor, ensuring access to basic living standards.
Access to Education:
1. Right to Education Act (RTE): Ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, breaking the cycle of poverty through skill-building.
2. Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Encourages school attendance while addressing child hunger and malnutrition.
Healthcare Initiatives:
1. Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): Offers health insurance for low-income families, reducing financial burdens from medical expenses.
2. National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.
Financial Inclusion:
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Promotes financial literacy and access to banking for the poor, empowering them economically.
2. Mudra Yojana: Facilitates credit for small businesses, fostering self-employment and income generation.
Empowerment of Marginalized Groups:
1. Stand-Up India and Skill India: Focus on entrepreneurship and skill development, especially for SC/ST and women.
2. Reservation Policies: Promote representation of marginalized groups in education and employment.
Infrastructure Development:
1. PM Gram Sadak Yojana: Improves rural connectivity, enabling access to markets, schools, and healthcare.
2. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana: Ensures rural electrification for socio-economic upliftment.

The government has undertaken comprehensive steps to combat poverty while fostering inclusive development. However, challenges like implementation gaps, corruption, and unequal access remain. Addressing these issues with robust monitoring, community participation, and innovative approaches is essential to achieve social justice in its truest sense.

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