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Consumption Inequality In India After Liberalization: A Caste Based Assessment

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  • ANOOP S. KUMAR

    (Department of Economics, BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus, Goa 403726, India)

  • P. YAZIR

    (School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderbabad 500046, India)

  • G. G. GOPIKA

    (Department of Economics, Govt. College Nedumangadu, Kerala, India)

Abstract

We analyze the consumption inequality in India among different caste groups namely SC, ST, OBC and Others using three rounds of Household Level Consumption Expenditure Survey Data from 1993–94 to 2009–10. Regression analysis shows disparity in consumption expenditure across various caste groups. Values of Gini coefficient, Theil’s Index and overlapping index display an increasing trend in both within- and between-group inequality over time. The possibility of stratification among “Others” is identified. It is found that SCs and STs in particular bear the burden of increasing inequality, indicating possible inefficient implementation of the welfare schemes aimed at these communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Anoop S. Kumar & P. Yazir & G. G. Gopika, 2019. "Consumption Inequality In India After Liberalization: A Caste Based Assessment," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 64(01), pages 139-155, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:serxxx:v:64:y:2019:i:01:n:s0217590817430123
    DOI: 10.1142/S0217590817430123
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