Income Inequality in India: Causes, Consequences, and Lessons from Developed Economies

Economy of India is growing rapidly, but income inequality remains the major concerns. The study focuses on understanding the patterns, causes, consequences, and effects of income inequality in India. In terms of income equality, Japan and Germany are the global giants; hence, the study also analyses how India can learn from their experiences in achieving inclusive growth. The research uses secondary data such as Gini Coefficient, per capita income, and wealth distribution. To explain the relationship between economic growth and inequality, the Kuznets Curve theory is applied. The role of human capital (education, skills, and productivity) is highlighted as a key factor in reducing inequality. The Findings show that inequality in India is driven by unequal access to education, healthcare, and technology. India’s major resources and wealth are concentrated among the top 1% of the population. The research provides insights into how Japan and Germany reduced inequality through strong education systems, social welfare, and industrial inclusion. The study suggests that India can reduce income inequality by improving the quality of education and skill development, encouraging rural entrepreneurship, adopting progressive taxation policies, and promoting digital inclusion to ensure equal access to economic opportunities. The study concludes that reducing inequality is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in India.