Archive · 18 Jul 2025
India's Inequality: World Bank Report Raises Questions
The World Bank said inequality in India has dropped a lot.
But, the way they measured it might not be the best because they looked at how much people spend, not earn.
Another report tracks progress using goals, but it doesn't always show how people are doing on the ground.
A different tool, called AEI, checks if things like water and healthcare are easy to get, affordable, and good for everyone.
It shows big differences between states: some are doing great, and some are lagging behind.
The reports help show how fair things are for everyone.
World Bank claimed a drastic reduction in inequality in India between 2011 and 2022.
The report's methodology is questioned due to the use of consumption-based Gini indices.
The Access (In)Equality Index (AEI) assesses inequality using the 4A framework: Availability, Affordability, Approachability, and Appropriateness.
AEI data reveals disparities in access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, socio-economic security, and legal recourse across Indian states.
The SDG-NIF report and the AEI offer different perspectives; the AEI provides a more nuanced view of inequality.
- Who
- World Bank, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and Centre for New Economic Studies (CNES).
- What
- A debate on the true extent of inequality reduction in India.
- When
- Between 2011 and 2022, and up to 2024-2025 based on different reports.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To assess the progress of reducing inequality and identify disparities in access to essential services.
World Bank & SDG-NIF View
AEI View
Inequality Assessment
World Bank & SDG-NIF View
Drastic reduction in inequality. Emphasis on aggregate outcomes.
AEI View
Focus on ground level disparities and the 4A framework.
Infrastructure Accessibility
World Bank & SDG-NIF View
Progress in access to services and amenities.
AEI View
Nuanced view of access and functionality.
- World Bank Report Claim
- Drastic reduction in inequality (2011-2022)
- SDG-NIF Report
- Tracks India's performance across 17 SDGs using 284 indicators.
- AEI Framework
- Availability, Affordability, Approachability, and Appropriateness (4A)
- Piped Water Coverage (SDG-NIF)
- Increased from 21.33% (2019-20) to 80.22% (2024-25)
- AEI Basic Amenities Leaders
- Goa (0.97)
- AEI Basic Amenities Laggards
- Jharkhand (0.31), Bihar (0.38), Odisha (0.39)
- Women Judges (Sikkim)
- 33.3%