Social Legislation is a powerful tool for social change and social justice. In India, these laws are designed to protect the rights of the marginalized, bridge social inequalities, and provide a legal framework for social welfare. For students of BSW, MSW, and aspirants of NET/SET, understanding these acts is crucial.

1. Legislations for Child Welfare

Children are the future of the nation, and several laws ensure their protection and development:

• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: This act focuses on two categories: 'children in conflict with the law' and 'children in need of care and protection.' it emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment.

• The POCSO Act, 2012 (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences): A rigorous law created to protect children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. It ensures child-friendly trial procedures.

• The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: This law prohibits children under 14 from working in hazardous occupations and regulates the working conditions in others.

• The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Under Article 21-A of the Constitution, this act makes education a fundamental right for every child aged 6 to 14.

2. Legislations for Women Empowerment

To combat gender-based violence and discrimination, the following laws are in place:

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: It provides a civil remedy for women facing physical, mental, verbal, or economic abuse within a domestic relationship.

• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Commonly known as the POSH Act, it mandates the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in organizations.

• The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This act makes the act of giving or taking dowry a punishable offense to curb the social evil of the dowry system.

• The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: It increased the paid maternity leave for working women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

3. Legislations for Social Justice & Marginalized Groups

These laws aim to eliminate historical discrimination and ensure equality:

• The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: A vital law to prevent crimes and indignities against SC and ST communities.

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: It replaced the 1995 Act and increased the number of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, ensuring 4% reservation in government jobs.

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: Recognizes the right to self-perceived gender identity and prohibits discrimination in education and employment.

4. Legislations for Senior Citizens and Health

• The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: It provides a legal framework for parents to claim maintenance from their children/heirs.

• The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: It decriminalized suicide attempts and focuses on the rights and dignity of persons with mental health issues.

Summary Table (Important Years)

- 1955: Protection of Civil Rights Act

- 1956: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act

- 1986: Consumer Protection Act

- 2005: Right to Information (RTI) Act

- 2005: MGNREGA (Rural Employment)

Conclusion

Social Legislations are the primary instruments for Social Workers to advocate for their clients. Whether you are working in an NGO or preparing for competitive exams, a thorough knowledge of these acts is your greatest strength.

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