India has develop into one of probably the most equal societies in the world, rating fourth globally in income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5, in line with the newest World Bank knowledge.India stands subsequent solely to the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus which have higher income equality scores. India’s rating is healthier than that of main economies like China (35.7), the United States (41.8), and all G7 and G20 nations.The Gini Index measures income distribution on a scale from 0 (excellent equality) to 100 (most inequality). A launch from the Social Welfare division mentioned, “It reflects how India’s economic progress is being shared more evenly across its population. Behind this success is a consistent policy focus on reducing poverty, expanding financial access, and delivering welfare support directly to those who need it most.” India’s Gini Index has improved from 28.8 in 2011, displaying regular progress in equitable development. A key purpose behind this has been the nation’s sturdy push in lowering poverty. The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief famous that between 2011 and 2023, about 171 million Indians moved out of extreme poverty. During the identical interval, India’s poverty charge dropped sharply from 16.2 per cent to simply 2.3 per cent, based mostly on the worldwide poverty line of $2.15 per day. The report additionally pointed to varied authorities initiatives which have helped drive this transformation. The PM Jan Dhan Yojana has widened monetary inclusion with over 55 crore financial institution accounts. Aadhaar, the nationwide digital ID system, now covers greater than 142 crore folks, making welfare supply by Direct Benefit Transfers extra environment friendly and saving Rs 3.48 lakh crore by March 2023. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which gives Rs 5 lakh well being cowl and has issued over 41 crore playing cards, has additionally improved healthcare fairness. Schemes like Stand-Up India help SC/ST and girls entrepreneurs, whereas the PM Vishwakarma Yojana helps artisans with loans and coaching. The PMGKAY meals safety programme has supported greater than 80 crore folks, the discharge added.
