Examining Economic And Social Inequality In India

Anbunila. P

Bharath University Of Law

This blog is written by Anbunila. P, a Third-year law student of Bharath University of Law

Introduction

Indian is a diverse country with a high rich cultural heritage, but at the same time the country also faces lots of challenges related to social inequality. Discrimination like race, gender, economic status (or) where you come from, because of this type of discrimination some individual (or) community affects things like education, job, healthcare etc. India has a wide gap between the rich and poor, lack of equitable distribution in the opportunities and resources, social inequality is an entrenched issue. The country seeks economic and social justice to ensure equality to all the citizens. The right to equality is a fundamental right in India everyone should be treated equally with social and economic rights. Equitable development and job creation for marginalized communities can be solved with economic disparities.

The Indian constitution is unique in its content and spirit, combination of rigidity and flexibility constitution promoting social justice. The preamble itself says "WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA,” having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a "SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC" and to secure to all its citizens. JUSTICE, social, economic and political. These are the opening lines in the preamble of the constitution, and the significant purpose of the constitution is JUSTICE. Former chief justice Gajendragadkar said that "In the sense of social justice holds the aims of equal opportunities to all the citizens in the matter of social and economic activities and to prevent inequalities in the country. The constitution of India,1950 prohibits unequal behaviour in the grounds of race, caste, sex, economic status, birth. The preamble secure that all the citizens of India have to have equal opportunities and be treated equally.

The Constitution of India Provisions Secure Social Justice:

Part - III Of Indian Constitution Is Fundamental Rights, that is obtainable to all, some are applicable only for the citizens of India and there are articles 12 to 35.

1 Equality before law (Art -14)

2 Prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex (or) place of birth (Art-15)

3 Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Art -16)

4 Abolition of untouchability (Art - 17)

5 Abolition of titles (Art - 18)

6 Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech (Art -19) [1]

7 Protection of life and personal liberty (Art 21)

8 Protection against arrest and detention in some cases (Art 22)

9 Freedom of Religion (Art 25 - 28)

Part IV Of Indian Constitution Is Directive Principles Of State Policy (Articles 36 to 51) [2]

1 Equal rights and free legal aid (Art 39 (A))

2 Uniform civil code (Art 44)

3 Primary education and childhood care is Free and compulsory (Art -45)

4 Promotion of education and economic interest in the scheduled castes and tribes and other weaker sections (Art 46)

Special Provisions For Backward Classes In The Society:

It is very important to promote equality and provide the opportunity for those who seek it. Special provisions are for the people facing disadvantages from the ancient times. These provisions can include reservation in education, employment opportunities and to prevent inequality. The aim to bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged sections in the society and it is helpful in the breaking cycle of poverty and making scope for upward mobility. To prevent inequality in India, the country implements the reservation system and reservation seats in schools, colleges, and government jobs for certain backward and scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. Nowadays efforts are taken by the organisation, and the government to raise the awareness in the society about the caste inequality to the people and to promote equality.

UCC (Uniform civil code)

Uniform civil code, which will have uniform laws for all citizens. UCC refers to the common law that applies to all regions, The motive of uniform civil code is to have peace and equality among everyone in the country without discrimination and to provide equal opportunities and rights to all the citizens of India. They should ensure that the law is not biased to anyone and treated equally.

Equal Pay For Equal Work:

Art 39(d) of the Indian constitution is about equal pay for equal work, there is an equal pay for equal work for all the citizens and it has not been secured as the fundamental rights. Art - 14, Art - 39(d) has the power to provide equal opportunities. It is the fundamental principles that recommend gender equality in the workplace. It means that all the citizens of India perform the same job, same level of skill, experience and responsibility have equal pay without discrimination. This art has been securing a welfare state. It is equal pay for equal work is an effort that is required in society and organisation. The important principle is to eliminate the gender pay gap and create more equitable to the public.

MAIN CAUSES OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITY:

Gender inequality:

Equality is not about physique; it is the common right that should not be violated. Gender inequality is the one of the oldest inequalities which does not have been over till the date. The nation should promote cerebral opportunities to both men and women. First both men and women should be treated equally in the home without gender discrimination. Nowadays gender inequality is reducing at the same time in some families, they will allow the male child to go to work, to go wherever they want to go but they won't allow the female child to go college or to do the PG degree, It's totally unfair. Women empowerment is important and then when there is equality there is a new developed society in the nation. Identity should be defined as the individual's will and ability to be independent.

Health care:

Healthcare inequality plays a significant role in recent times. Quality healthcare is not equal for everyone all over the world. People who live in rural areas are facing difficulties like not having proper healthcare knowledge about health insurance. Sometimes they can't afford medical expenses, if they need to, they want to travel for a longer time to reach the hospital because there will be a shortage of professionals for healthcare and limited resources and equipment. The access and availability of healthcare services is increasing in rural areas.

LGBTQ:

It refers to a diverse community of individuals with a distinct sexual orientation and some distinct gender identity. Recently, inequality among lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and queer people has grown more than other communities in terms of mental health problems and suicides. They are mistreated and bullied in many places, from school to being rejected by family and the homeless. It's not that complicated, they're a kind of sex, but it's against the morality of society's views. It is still taboo, considered criminal and illegal for same-sex relationships. Another controversial topic is transgender people, which often provokes different opinions in the public eye. This inequality and discrimination are corrected when special laws are enacted to help them live in this society.

Creating a safe and accepting environment where LGBTQ individuals do not fear intolerance is essential.

INCOME AND WEALTH INEQUALITY:

Here is the huge difference between the rich and poor in the society some may earn higher income and others are struggling to attain the basic level of income. When there is economic inequality there will be a high level of poverty. They may struggle to afford the basic needs of the human that is food, clothes, shelter and healthcare etc... Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand are the states which have the highest poverty in India in 2023. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat are the states that had the highest gross domestic product (GDP) above 20 lakh crores in India as per the survey report taken by NITI Aayog.

Economic growth will be increased when there is a job opportunity, economic security, Improving childhood nutrition and quality education. Economic inequality is one of the important reasons that millions of children are out of school (or) college.[3]

Conclusion:

In India, the legislature and judiciary both play a major role in delivering justice and equality to all the citizens. The aim of paper is to reduce social and economic inequality and all the citizens must attain a substantial degree economically and socially. Ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to analyse, achieve and succeed. When there is equality in the society there will be proper healthcare, crime rates will decrease and better education outcomes.

This paper ends with these following lines that constitution stands as the pillar to the country, promising, equality and justice for all. Social and economic inequality is like a stubborn stain on the society's favourite shirt, let's work together to mend for a fairer future and create a more inclusive and equal society for everyone.

References:

BOOKS:

· The constitution of India bare act.

· Principles of economics book by Gregory Mankiw

· Why Nations Fail

· Book by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

WEBSITE:

· https://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/lesy105.pdf

· https://www.competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Report_on_State_of_Inequality-in_India_Web_Version.pdf

· https://m.economictimes.com/

· https://www.drishtiias.com

· https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/IV.CONSTITUTIONAL%20PROVISIONS%20FOR%20SOCIO-ECONOMIC%20CHANGE%20FUNDAMENTAL%20RIGHTS%20AND%20DIRECTIVE%20PRINCIPLES%20OF%20STATE%20POLICY.pdf