Income Inequality in India
Income inequality in India is notably high, with the top 10% of earners capturing 58% of national income, while the bottom 50% receive only 15%, as per the World Inequality Report 2026.
- In 2021, the top 10% held 57% of national income, while the bottom 50% held 13%.
Wealth Inequality
- The richest 10% of Indians hold about 65% of total wealth.
- The top 1% alone hold approximately 40% of wealth.
Female Labor Participation
Female labor participation in India is notably low at 15.7% and has shown no improvement over the past decade.
Global Wealth Distribution
Globally, wealth is unevenly distributed, with the top 0.001% holding three times more wealth than the bottom half of humanity.
- The global top 10% owns three-quarters of all wealth, while the bottom 50% holds just 2%.
Staggering Concentration
- The top 1% controls 37% of global wealth.
- The top one-in-a-million holds 3% of global wealth.
Historical and Regional Wealth Distribution
The report outlines shifts in the global income distribution from 1980 to 2025.
- In 1980, China and India were mostly in the bottom half of the distribution.
- By 2025, China has moved to the middle 40%, but India remains largely in the bottom 50%.
Gender Inequality
Despite global shifts, gender pay gaps persist, with women earning significantly less than men.
- Women earn only 61% of what men earn per working hour, dropping to 32% when unpaid labor is considered.
Climate Crisis and Emissions
The wealthiest contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, with the top 10% accounting for 77% of emissions related to private capital ownership.
Recommendations for Reducing Inequality
The report suggests that inequality can be reduced through effective policies.
- Progressive taxation is crucial to mobilize resources for public goods.
- Public investments in education, healthcare, and redistributive programs can help mitigate inequality.
