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INTERNATIONAL

‘Poor and Very Unequal’: World Inequality Report reveals India’s persistent poverty and income gap

By News Desk

March 10, 2024

The World Inequality Report has cast a revealing spotlight on India, portraying it as not only one of the most unequal countries globally but also labeling it as a “Poor and ‘Very’ Unequal Country.”

This dual classification underscores the deep-rooted economic disparities pervading the nation’s social fabric, signaling an urgent call for action to rectify these alarming trends.

A pivotal revelation within the report lies in India’s economic landscape, starkly contrasting the opulence of the rich with the destitution of the poor.

Despite witnessing commendable economic growth in recent years, a substantial segment of the population remains ensnared in the shackles of poverty, impeding the nation’s overall advancement.

The report underscores that the dividends of economic progress have not been equitably distributed, widening the chasm of wealth inequality.

India’s classification as a “Poor Country” is predominantly attributed to persistently high poverty rates that persist despite governmental endeavors to alleviate them.

Factors such as inadequate access to education, healthcare, and viable employment opportunities perpetuate the cycle of impoverishment, posing formidable challenges to India’s socio-economic evolution.

Furthermore, the report sheds light on the gravity of income inequality in India, denoting it as a “Very Unequal Country.”

The concentration of wealth within the privileged echelons exacerbates societal fault lines, impeding the nation’s pursuit of inclusive growth. This burgeoning gap between the haves and have-nots not only threatens social harmony but also undermines the sustainability of economic progress in the long run.

Social mobility emerges as a poignant concern highlighted in the report, indicating significant hurdles faced by individuals from lower-income backgrounds in accessing educational and professional avenues.

This systemic barrier perpetuates the entrenched nature of economic inequality, further exacerbating the divide.

Although the report acknowledges certain governmental initiatives aimed at mitigating these disparities, it underscores the imperative for more holistic and targeted policies to address the underlying causes of inequality.

Initiatives focusing on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare are steps in the right direction, but a concerted effort is needed to ensure comprehensive and sustained progress towards a more equitable society.