The Social Work Profession is far more than a career it is a sacred calling. It is a journey undertaken by those whose hearts beat with compassion, whose spirits are anchored in patience, and whose souls burn with an unyielding passion for justice and human dignity. Social workers are the unsung heroes of our society—standing steadfast beside the marginalized, giving voice to the silenced, and rekindling hope where it has all but faded.
This profession transcends charity it is a force for empowerment. It demands profound empathy, emotional resilience, and the moral courage to confront injustice, suffering, and adversity with unwavering kindness and resolve. Only those deeply devoted to the service of humanity can tread this noble path.
Social work is not simply about assisting the needy it is about transforming lives, healing fractured communities and championing a more equitable and compassionate world. It extends far beyond office walls or institutional boundaries it is a way of life embodied through intentional action, anchored in unwavering ethics, and inspired by the vision of a just, empathetic, and humane society.
Guided by a rigorous code of ethics and fueled by compassion, the profession seeks not only to uplift individuals but also to catalyze systemic change, ensuring the collective well-being of all.
The Growth of Social Work Education in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, the formal journey of professional social work education began in 2003 with the launch of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Kashmir. In response to the growing demand for trained professionals, the university established a dedicated Department of Social Work, offering a structured two-year postgraduate curriculum.
The MSW program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in key areas such as mental health, social welfare, and community development. It combines academic rigor with practical fieldwork, including internships, and community engagement, enabling students to address complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to social development.
The University of Kashmir has also introduced a Ph.D. program in Social Work, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of social science education in the region. Over the years, numerous scholars have successfully completed their doctoral research in Social Work, exploring diverse and critical areas such as disability, gender issues, mental health, child welfare, community development, and social justice. These research contributions have played a vital role in shaping inclusive policies, empowering marginalized groups, and deepening both academic and practical understanding of complex social realities.
However, some current MSW students at the University of Kashmir have raised concerns regarding the curriculum. They report that the syllabus is outdated and has not been revised in recent years. Additionally, students feel that the program places excessive emphasis on therapeutic approaches, with insufficient focus on practical learning through fieldwork and community-based projects.
Students have called for a comprehensive revision of the syllabus to align it with contemporary and international standards. I suggest that, similar to institutions like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), the University of Kashmir should offer specialized branches within the MSW program like Msw Disability studies, MSW Criminology and justice, Msw Mental Health, Msw Public Health, MSW Livelihood and social Entrepreneurship. This would provide students with the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest and enhance their professional competence.
Furthermore, students advocate for increased practical exposure, research, enhanced field engagement, and greater involvement in real-world social interventions. By updating the curriculum and incorporating a more practice-oriented approach, the University of Kashmir can better equip its students to meet the evolving demands of the social work profession both locally and globally.
The Gap in Undergraduate Education
Despite notable advancements at the postgraduate level, a substantial gap remains in undergraduate social work education in Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike many other Indian states, the region lacks a comprehensive network of undergraduate programs in Social Work. At present, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the only institution offering a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program in the Union Territory.
This lack of foundational academic opportunities restricts access for aspiring social work professionals and hinders the development of a robust, well-trained workforce in the field. To cultivate a strong and sustainable social work ecosystem, it is crucial to introduce undergraduate Social Work programs across colleges and universities as well as social work subject in higher secondary level throughout the region. Expanding educational access at the foundational level will foster a new generation of skilled, compassionate, and socially committed professionals equipped to address the diverse and evolving challenges faced by communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Misuse and Misconceptions around the Title “Social Worker”
One of the most pressing challenges facing the social work profession is the widespread misuse and misunderstanding of the term “social worker.” Many individuals, lacking formal education or professional training in social work, adopt the title based on occasional charitable activities such as distributing food, clothing, or aid through NGOs or community drives in different circumstances.
While these acts of kindness are commendable, they do not capture the depth, complexity, or professional integrity of the social work discipline. Genuine social work is grounded in rigorous academic education, supervised field practice, adherence to a strict ethical code, and a lifelong commitment to learning and advocacy.
The casual and unregulated use of the title by unqualified individuals not only misrepresents the profession but also distorts public understanding, erodes trust, and diminishes the credibility of trained MSW social workers who dedicate years to mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Safeguarding the integrity of the title “social worker” is essential to ensure the profession is respected, understood, and recognized for its vital role in promoting social justice, human rights, and community well-being.
Overlooking Professional Social Workers in Employment
Despite the growing pool of MSW graduates in Jammu and Kashmir, government departments and NGOs frequently recruit professionals from other disciplines—such as psychology, law, or sociology—for roles that are inherently aligned with the core competencies of trained social workers. While interdisciplinary collaboration is undoubtedly valuable, this hiring trend often marginalizes those with specialized education and practical training in social work.
Key positions in hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, and social welfare agencies should prioritize candidates holding professional degrees in social work. These roles require not just theoretical knowledge, but also the field-based expertise, ethical grounding, and holistic approach that social workers are uniquely equipped to provide.
To address this systemic oversight, Government public sector recruitment policies must be urgently revised to formally recognize the MSW degree as the primary qualification for professional social work roles. Doing so will ensure that qualified practitioners are appointed where their skills can have the greatest impact—strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and driving meaningful social change in the region.
Role of Social Workers in Education: Aligning with NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes inclusive, equitable, and holistic education for all learners—goals that closely align with the mission of social work. Social workers act as critical links between families, communities, and schools, particularly in identifying and supporting students from marginalized or underrepresented groups.
In schools, professional social workers can provide psychosocial support, counseling, and interventions for students dealing with academic struggles, behavioral issues, absenteeism, mental health concerns, and family-related stress. By working alongside educators and administrators, social workers help create an environment where every child can thrive, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
Strategic Recommendations: The Way Forward
To strengthen the role and impact of social work in Jammu and Kashmir, the following strategic steps are essential:
- Creation of Designated Positions: Government institutions must introduce official roles for professional social workers in health care, education, correctional facilities, and welfare departments.
- Formal Recognition of Qualifications: MSW degrees should be recognized as the standard qualification for recruitment into social work roles in the public sector and civil society organizations.
- Expansion of Academic Opportunities: Undergraduate and higher secondary-level programs in social work should be introduced in regional colleges and universities to broaden access and awareness.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public education efforts are needed to clarify the distinction between professional social work and voluntary charity, thus safeguarding the profession’s integrity.
- Policy Development and Regulation: Regulatory frameworks should be established for licensing, professional conduct, ethical standards, and accreditation of social work education and practice.
Conclusion: Strengthening Society through Social Work
Social work is far more than an act of kindness or temporary aid—it is a science, an art, and a principled profession dedicated to advancing justice, human dignity, and lasting social transformation. It combines evidence-based practice with empathy-driven action to address complex social issues and empower communities.
For Jammu and Kashmir to truly progress toward inclusive and sustainable development, it must formally recognize, strengthen, and institutionalize the social work profession across all sectors. Investing in social work is not merely a policy choice—it is a profound societal commitment to building a future rooted in equity, compassion, and human rights.
I request the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the departments of Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Education, Home Affairs (Police), and Rural Development, as well as private sector institutions and corporate organizations, to proactively create and allocate dedicated permanent positions for professional social workers. These professionals should be embedded across hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, community programs, crisis response teams, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Appointing trained social workers in these settings will enhance service delivery, improve community outreach, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being and resilience of individuals and society at large. It is time to fully harness the transformative potential of social work as an essential pillar of development and governance.
(The Author is Sr. Pediatric Rehab Therapist & Social Worker (MSW) Working for Disability & Child Rights. Feedback: [email protected])
