Social Justice Day, celebrated globally on February 20, serves as a reminder of the need to foster fairness and equality in societies, ensuring that no one is left behind due to socio-economic, political, or cultural disparities. The United Nations defines social justice as “the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.” This day becomes a moment of reflection for countries and regions dealing with inequalities, discrimination, and marginalization, of which Kashmir is no exception. Kashmir, with its rich cultural tapestry and history, has experienced its share of socio-political upheavals, making the discourse on social justice both critical and complex. The region has faced issues related to economic disparity, political instability, unemployment, and the challenges of militancy, all of which have shaped its journey towards equity and justice. My views goes into the concept of social justice in the context of Kashmir, focusing on the unique challenges faced by the people, particularly in areas such as education, employment, gender equality, and
Kashmir’s history is marked by a long-standing conflict that has had a profound impact on its socio-political and economic structure. The partition of India in 1947 led to territorial disputes between India and Pakistan, with Kashmir at the center. This conflict has resulted in the terrorism and deep sense of social disconnect in the region, widespread displacement, and a deep-rooted sense of uncertainty among the population. The continuous conflict has exacerbated issues of poverty and unemployment, contributing to the marginalization of many communities. The violence and political instability have disrupted the region’s economic development and limited access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. As a result, the pursuit of social justice in Kashmir has been an uphill battle, with the region grappling with issues of inequality, exclusion, and deprivation.
Access to quality education is one of the pillars of social justice, and in Kashmir, the education sector has faced significant challenges due to political unrest. Schools and universities had been remained closed for long periods during periods of conflict, leading to disruptions in the education of thousands of students. This has disproportionately affected children from lower-income families, who lack the resources to access alternative means of education such as online classes or private tutoring. However, the last few years have seen renewed efforts to reform and strengthen the education system in Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, was aimed at integrating the region more fully into India’s constitutional framework. One of the goals of this move was to enhance educational infrastructure and bring national-level institutions to Kashmir, thereby improving access to quality education. Programs like the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for students from Jammu and Kashmir have provided opportunities for higher education to thousands of young people. The introduction of smart classrooms, distance learning initiatives, and partnerships with reputed Indian universities have all contributed to making education more accessible in the region. However, the path to ensuring social justice through education still faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, and the need for a stable political environment.
Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges in Kashmir, particularly among the youth. The lack of industrial development, coupled with the region’s political instability, has led to limited job opportunities. Engineering graduates, doctors, and other professionals often find themselves migrating to other parts of India in search of better prospects, contributing to a brain drain that further hampers local development. Social justice cannot be achieved without economic justice, and this has become a major concern in Kashmir. Over the years, various initiatives have been launched to address the issue of unemployment and to empower the local workforce. The Skill India Mission and similar programs have sought to provide vocational training to young people in Kashmir, equipping them with skills that are in demand in the modern job market. Tourism, one of the mainstays of Kashmir’s economy, has also been a focal point of economic revitalization efforts. Post-abrogation of Article 370, there has been a push to improve tourism infrastructure, create new tourist circuits, and promote Kashmir as a safe and attractive destination for travelers. This has provided livelihoods to many in the hospitality and allied sectors. Further, the recent focus on local entrepreneurship has also empowered many Kashmiris to start their own businesses. Initiatives such as the ‘Start-Up India’ scheme have provided financial and technical support to young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to innovate and create new job opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism.
The pursuit of gender equality is a crucial aspect of social justice, and Kashmir has seen a gradual yet steady shift in this direction. Historically, Kashmiri women have faced societal restrictions that limited their opportunities for education and employment. However, the narrative is changing, with more women taking active roles in various sectors, from politics to business to education. One notable example is the increasing number of women participating in local governance through the Panchayati Raj system. These women leaders are playing an important role in addressing the issues faced by their communities and advocating for gender-sensitive policies. Similarly, women in Kashmir are making their mark in fields like arts, sports, and academia, challenging the traditional gender norms that have often restricted them. Yet, challenges remain. Domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and education are issues that continue to affect women in Kashmir, particularly in rural areas. Activists and NGOs have been working tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support to women facing these challenges. Organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Development Corporation have been instrumental in providing financial assistance and skill development opportunities to women, helping them achieve economic independence.
Political representation is another critical dimension of social justice. For decades, Kashmir’s political landscape has been shaped by a few dominant voices, often sidelining the aspirations of marginalized communities. However, the abrogation of Article 370 has brought about a change in the political structure of the region, with the aim of fostering greater inclusion. The establishment of new Union Territory status for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has paved the way for local bodies and Panchayat elections, giving voice to the people at the grassroots level. These elections have seen increased participation from women and youth, indicating a growing sense of political empowerment among these groups. Furthermore, the delimitation exercise undertaken in recent years aims to ensure better political representation for underrepresented areas in Jammu and Kashmir. By redrawing the political map, this process seeks to give a greater voice to regions that have historically been marginalized in the political process.
In Kashmir, certain communities have historically faced marginalization, both socially and economically. These include the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who lead a largely nomadic lifestyle and have limited access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. For these communities, social justice means access to basic rights and services, as well as representation in political and social institutions.Over the years, efforts have been made to address the needs of these communities. The government has introduced special provisions to ensure that children from these communities can access education, including the establishment of mobile schools that move with nomadic families. Similarly, schemes have been introduced to provide healthcare services to these remote populations, although challenges such as geographic isolation and lack of infrastructure persist. The reservation of political seats for these communities in local governance structures has also been a positive step towards ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. However, much remains to be done to fully integrate these communities into the socio-economic fabric of Kashmir and to ensure that they can benefit from the region’s development.
Civil society organizations and local activists have played a crucial role in advancing the cause of social justice in Kashmir. From advocating for the rights of marginalized communities to providing education and healthcare services in conflict-affected areas, these organizations have been instrumental in filling the gaps left by the state. For instance, organizations like Borderless World Foundation have worked extensively in Kashmir, providing support to orphans and children affected by the conflict. Similarly, youth-led initiatives like ‘J&K RTI Movement’ have been advocating for greater transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of the people.
The journey towards social justice in Kashmir is an ongoing process, one that requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the people themselves. While significant strides have been made in areas such as education, employment, gender equality, and political representation, challenges remain, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society. As Kashmir continues to integrate more fully into India’s socio-economic framework, there is hope that the principles of social justice—equality, fairness, and inclusion—will guide its future development. By addressing the root causes of inequality and ensuring that every citizen has access to opportunities and resources, Kashmir can move towards a more just and equitable society. Social Justice Day serves as a reminder of this vision, not just for Kashmir, but for the world at large.
