Professional Social Work in India: Historical Evolution, Contemporary Challenges, and Transformative Futures

Nimisha Gupta

Abstract: Professional social work in India has evolved through the interaction of indigenous welfare traditions, colonial administration, nationalist reform, and post-independence development policy. Despite considerable institutional growth, the profession continues to confront challenges of professional identity, theoretical dependence, regulatory fragmentation, and persistent structural inequality. This paper critically examines the historical evolution, theoretical foundations, contemporary realities, and future trajectories of Indian social work. Drawing on Marxist, Gandhian, and Ambedkarite perspectives alongside critical, human rights-based, and decolonial approaches, it argues that Indian social work must move beyond dependence on Western paradigms toward contextually grounded, socially transformative practice. The paper reviews recent policy developments- the National Education Policy 2020, the Sustainable Development Goals, corporate social responsibility, and digital transformation- and proposes an integrated framework combining professional competence with social justice, human rights, and democratic participation.

Keywords: Professional Social Work, India, Indigenization, Social Justice, Social Work Education, Critical Social Work, Gandhian Thought, Ambedkarite Perspective, Marxist Social Work, Sustainable Development Goals

How to Cite?: Nimisha Gupta, "Professional Social Work in India: Historical Evolution, Contemporary Challenges, and Transformative Futures", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1691-1696, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26719194221, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26719194221

Download Citation: APA | MLA | BibTeX | EndNote | RefMan