Practice-based issues and challenges of professional social workers in India: a human rights perspective

This study investigates the practical challenges and human rights concerns faced by social workers in India. Despite the formal introduction of social work as a profession in 1936, it remains underrecognised and lacks structural support. A primary survey involving 813 participants across seven Indian states, complemented by qualitative insights from a virtual group discussion, highlights key issues like absence of statutory regulatory body and insufficient professional recognition. These gaps lead to job insecurity, temporary contracts, irregular wages, long working hours, workplace harassment and professional conflicts. Additionally, many social workers are deprived of statutory benefits like paid leave, pensions, gratuity and health insurance, heightening their vulnerability. Using descriptive analysis and OLS regression, the study underscores how these challenges infringe on workers’ rights, contrary to international standards set by the ILO, IFSW, UNHRC, and ICESCR. The study proposes policy reforms to enhance the legal protection and socio-economic well-being of social workers in India.