Page 16 - Shelter - April 2025

THEME PAPER

improving the conditions of to structuring society so this philosophical outlook is
the disadvantaged. In the that inequality is justified reflected in policies that seek
context of social inequality, only if it benefits the most to level the playing field,
this would translate to disadvantaged groups. This such as affirmative action for
prioritising policies that resonates with the Indian Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
reduce poverty, ensure equal commitment to equitable Tribes, and Other Backward
access to healthcare and development, ensuring that Classes (OBCs), and the
education, and promote India’s growth does not provision of educational
economic growth that benefits leave anyone behind. Liberal opportunities for all, for
everyone. Utilitarianism also philosophers such as John instance as under the Right to
emphasises the long-term Rawls and Immanuel Kant Education Act.
effects of inequality on social have stressed the importance The egalitarian (Equality of
stability. In countries with of justice and fairness in social Opportunity and Outcome)
high levels of inequality, arrangements. In his theory of view advocates for reducing
there are often negative justice, John Rawls advocates social and economic
consequences such as social for the Veil of Ignorance as disparities, not just through
unrest, economic inefficiency, a way to think about social equality of opportunity but
and reduced social mobility. justice: policies should be also through equality of
By promoting policies designed as if one does not outcomes. Robert Nozick,
aimed at redistribution know which social group who famously critiqued
through mechanisms such or identity they will belong redistributive justice, argued
as progressive taxation or to once the veil is lifted. that individual rights are
subsidies for education According to Rawls, justice paramount; however, an
and healthcare, prioritising involves creating fair systems egalitarian framework
related infrastructure that allow all individuals would call for policies that
where it benefits the larger to flourish, particularly ensure every citizen has an
masses, promoting low cost the least advantaged. equal chance to succeed.
affordable technologies for Redistributive justice (e.g., In India, this would mean
providing universal access
achieving this goal can propel through progressive taxation, to education, healthcare, and
India towards the long-term affirmative action) is a tool economic opportunities for
well-being of society. John to ensure that the wealthiest marginalised communities. It
Stuart Mill’s principle of segments of society do not would also mean addressing
utilitarianism aligns with exploit the poorest, creating institutional biases that
the goal of sustainable urban a fairer society for all. In disadvantage people based on
mobility, as it seeks to create applying liberal justice their caste, gender, or religion.
the greatest benefit for the to India’s inequality, this
greatest number of people. philosophical approach India’s commitment to
By improving transportation supports policies that economic growth and
systems and reducing prioritize equal opportunities infrastructure development
pollution, India can enhance for all, regardless of caste, aligns with Karl Marx’s
materialist view of historical
the well-being of millions of gender, or religion. The progress, where economic
urban dwellers, ensuring a Indian Constitution itself conditions shape societal
better quality of life for all. embodies liberal principles structures. India’s rapid
Furthermore, John Rawl’s by guaranteeing fundamental industrialisation and
Theory of Justice offers rights and promoting infrastructure projects are seen
a conceptual approach affirmative action. In India, as necessary steps to improve

14 HUDCO-HSMI Publication