SOCIAL WORK IN INDIA: A BIZARRE SCENARIO

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.
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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.

source Dr T K Nair's Social Work Blog