Analysis of Inequality in India

Despite the Gini Index ranking India as one of the world's most equal societies with a score of 25.5, the reality of inequality in India is starkly different. The index's methodology has been criticized, and several forms of inequality, both traditional and modern, persist across the nation.

Wealth Inequality

• Wealth disparity is evident in urban India, where luxury lifestyles contrast sharply with the earnings of the working class.
• In 2022-23, the top 1% of the population earned 22.6% of the national income.
• Data challenges exist due to informal employment, low income levels, and the tax system covering less than 10% of adults.

Gender Inequality

• Women make up only 35.9% of the workforce and 12.7% of leadership roles as of 2024.
• Only 7.5% of active startups in India are run by women.
• Social norms hinder resource allocation and inheritance rights for women and girls.

Digital Inequality

• Access to digital technology is crucial, yet only 52.7% of schools have functional computers with Internet access in 53.9% of these schools.
• The digital divide affects students' access to quality education and job opportunities.
• Household broadband access is 41.8%, disadvantaging students during virtual education periods.
• Only 25% of rural women have Internet access compared to 49% of rural men, affecting their ability to access financial and job opportunities.

While India has made progress, the disparities highlighted raise questions about the Gini Index's ranking. Equal access to opportunities is crucial for India to be genuinely considered among the world's most equal societies.