ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

From Scientific Knowledge to Social Justice: The Science-Society Intersection Through Public Policy In India

In contemporary governance, scientific knowledge increasingly informs public decision-making in areas such as agriculture, public health, and environmental management. While the integration of science into policymaking can promote development and address major social challenges, translating evidence into policy raises critical normative questions about justice, fairness and equitable access. While empirical data identify effective interventions, the design and implementation of policies are shaped by political institutions, ethical norms, and social structures. This chapter examines the intersection between science and society through public policy in India and evaluates whether this relationship contributes to socially just outcomes. The chapter first conceptualises the science–society intersection as the point where scientific knowledge and social needs converge in policy processes. It then analyses how this intersection operates in India by examining key policy areas, including the Green Revolution, public health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Through these cases, the chapter demonstrates that science-based policies have produced significant developmental achievements but have also generated regional, economic, and social disparities. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of Amartya Sen and John Rawls, the chapter argues that scientific advancement alone cannot guarantee justice unless policy frameworks actively address issues of equity and accessibility. It concludes that science-based policymaking must incorporate principles of inclusive participation, institutional support, and equitable distribution to ensure that scientific knowledge contributes not only to development but also to the broader goal of social justice. Keywords: Science–Society Intersection, Public Policy, Evidence-Based Policymaking, India, Development and Inequality, Social Justice.