Vijayawada: Speakers at a national-level webinar on ‘Scope for Social Work Profession with National Council of Social Work Education’ opine that the National Council of Social Work Education Bill will be the way forward for Indian social workers. The webinar was organised by the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University, in which key discussions took place on the draft National Council of Social Work Education Bill 2021.
Chief guest Sanjai Bhatt, Professor, Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi, and National Convener of the Campaign for NCSWE, stated that this bill would help 5 lakh professionals in the field and lead to rapid and sustainable development in the nation. He appreciated the states which started the campaign and represented to the policymakers and public representatives on the Bill. He asserted that social workers are needed to develop human relations; they are the key change agents to bring about progress in total health, education, economic conditions, social empowerment. The course is designed with in-house and fieldwork practicum.
Prof Bhat said that South India has 50 per cent of the social work institutions in India. He urged all to push the campaign for the legislation.
Prof P. Rajasekhar, Vice- Chancellor, ANU, pointed out the great need for social work professionals to in government services where they will achieve comprehensive development in health, education, nutrition, poverty reduction, women empowerment, livelihoods, environment progress, social justice and so on, in rural, tribal and urban Areas.
Prof P Varaprasada Murthy, Rector, ANU, said the social work education is an integral part of in-house and fieldwork. The bill should be advocated at high-level for consultations and approvals. Prof K. Rosaiah, Registrar, ANU, suggested that social work education be expanded widely, especially as the sustainable goals were affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The curriculum should be upgraded by including more content on civil societies and CSRs, he added.
