The Platinum Jubilee of social work education in India was observed in 2011. But there is nothing to cheer about. Mushrooming of social work courses (BSW and MSW ); sub-standard distance education programmes barring the ones of IGNOU; no national association of social workers; no regulatory council; no certification for social work practice:...
For some years a voluntary association called Association of Schools of Social Work in India (ASSWI)existed. It was called a Headmasters' Association as a small group of "headmasters" and their collaborators controlled it.They were the permanent participants of international conferences and seminars; and beneficiaries of government nominations and international assignments. They also claimed themselves as practitioners. During 1977-81, a committed team was elected to manage ASSWI in which I had the opportunity to be one.For the first time social work teachers from different regions were nominated to international programmes ; many were invited to direct many workshops and seminars; and organised various faculty development and curriculum restructuring workshops.But when our four-year term ended, we faced a vicious character assassination campaign led by a group of "senior" social work educators. The new team succeeded in making ASSWI a weak organisation, which eventually had its demise.
The association of social workers--Indian Association of Social Workers (IATSW)--was a fairly strong Delhi-based body for some years. When a new power centre emerged in another city, internecine squabbles led to its closure.But the recent trend of associations of professional social workers in different cities without any national strangulating agency is a healthy sign.
From time to time, attempts were made for a statutory regulatory council of social work education without any success. The promoters of the council are overzealous as they could control the council if it ever becomes a reality.
In recent decades, a good number of committed professional social workers across the country are changing the landscape of professional social work practice in India .Thank GOD! they are independent of social work educators whose agenda is more personal than professional.
Dear Dr.Nair, You have brought out a different and interesting dimension of our professional organizations which many of us do not know. I liked the touch of humour. I want to recall that in an important conference held at TISS in 1993, there was a serious discussion about the then dormant ASSWI and how to revive it. I can recall that many young faculty members continued the discussions in their rooms late into the night deliberating how to achieve this. Many of them are from different parts of India. I did not see any politics much there but only one agenda – how to do this. It was the enthusiasm and concern that mattered most. There were representatives (HODs and others) and as an outcome of the discussions a returning officer was nominated and the process was initiated. I contacted and got the files and other related things of ASSWI from Captn DVP Raja, Madhurai . A team was elected which comprised of Prof R.R.Singh, Dr.Sanjai Bhatt and myself – and we were there for two terms (1994-98). During this period ASSWI in collaboration with PRIA conducted a series of dialogues called the ‘Inter Professional Dialogues on Participatory Research and Development’ for social work faculty in India which had considerable impact. Besides we also could bring out the newsletter regularly among other activities. All I want to say is that an active team supported by a general consensus can breathe life into the organisation and it is their enthusiasm that makes the difference. I am looking forward to that. Devi Prasad.
ReplyDeleteDear Professor,
DeleteNamaskaram from Mizoram. Thank you for sharing some important information on the work done by ASSWI leadership before its demise. As some one working on Bharatiyakaran of Social Work, I look the inability of social work profession in India to sustain professional organisation as a symptom of value crisis. In my humble opinion the imported western values indoctrinated in the schools of social work in India have failed to develop committed leadership and organisations for promoting professionalism in the country. Social work professionals who work with Dharma values and have deep roots India's long intellectual and spiritual tradition can change this scenario.
I am a social worker and in the field (after my Post graduation and M.Phil) since 2004.
ReplyDelete1)My understanding is our social workers first up all needs a good leading team/leadership by professors from Govt.Institutes. Which can lead a study for the need assessment for the appointment of social workers in its different fields of social work all over India.This should be done under various departments of schools of social work in private,Govt. and Central Govt.
2)We should act like a pressure group in govt.(After the joining of different social work organizations under one banner)for appointment of professionals.
3)We should have a professional body like IMA,or Rehabilitation Council of India.
4)We should have code of Ethics in Indian context.
5)There should be a PIN number/Reg no. for practice in various fields among public.
6)NGOs of India are real threat to Professional Social Workers by not giving decent salary,and no surety of permanent job or other benefits like Pension etc.
7)There should be symposiums,conferences,and workshops regularly for the professionals national and regional levels.
8)Social action also used for the betterment of Social Workers in India.
Decent blog and Please keep doing social working. Manisha Bapna is likewise doing bunches of get-togethers to peopling. For more information visit our website: - women empowerment in madhya pradesh
ReplyDelete