An Inquiry into the Dynamics of Inequality from the Perspective of Caste

Abstract

This study analyses the economic inequality in India, with particular reference to Kerala in the post-reform period considering different caste groups namely, SC, ST, OBC and ‘Others’ as mentioned in NSS Household level Consumption Expenditure Survey Data. Two rounds of NSSO data viz. 61st and 66th were taken for the purpose of analysis. Gini coefficient and overlapping index were estimated for the whole as well as the subgroups using ANOGI methodology. From the analysis, it was found that the level of overall inequality as well as the intergroup inequality is on the rise in Kerala as well as India during the period of analysis. The study also identified the possibility of stratification among the group ‘Others’ for both India and Kerala. Further, it was found that SC’s and ST’s (in particular) bear the burden of the increasing inequality. This indicates that the various welfare measures initiated by the central as well as state governments might not have reached the majority of these downtrodden communities.