Has the Modi Government Transformed Equality into Reality?
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Synopsis
The BJP celebrates the World Bank's findings on India's reduced income inequality under Modi's leadership, claiming significant progress compared to the past. This article explores the implications of these assertions amidst political debates.
Key Takeaways
- The Gini Index has improved from 28.5 to 25.2 under Modi's government.
- India is now ranked as the fourth most equal country in the world.
- The poverty rate has dropped from 27% to 5.35%.
- Over 270 million people have been lifted out of poverty.
- Job creation has surged to over 170 million during Modi's tenure.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) The BJP on Tuesday praised the World Bank report that emphasizes India's success in mitigating income inequality under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The party declared that the nation has made significant strides compared to the era of the Congress-led UPA.
BJP national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam stated that the World Bank’s Gini Index—a critical measure of income inequality—has decreased from 28.5 during the UPA rule to 25.2 now, positioning India as the fourth most equal country worldwide.
“This impressive progress reflects the vision of Prime Minister Modi for a New India,” said Islam. “India's journey from being part of the ‘fragile five’ in 2013-14 to joining the ‘fabulous four’ today is a testament to ongoing reforms and inclusive growth.”
Islam pointed out that the improvement in the Gini Index shows that India has outshone several major economies, including the United States (41.8), China (35.7), and the United Kingdom (34.4). The World Bank categorizes India as a country with moderately low inequality, second only to Slovakia, Slovenia, and Belarus.
Referencing additional statistics, Islam noted that India’s poverty rate has plummeted from 27 percent during the UPA government to merely 5.35 percent today, resulting in more than 25 crore individuals being lifted out of poverty.
“Over 270 million Indians have emerged from poverty due to our government’s policies,” he asserted.
Islam also cited a Pew Research Centre survey indicating that 74 percent of Indians are satisfied with both their democratic and economic conditions, placing India second among 23 nations surveyed.
The BJP’s remarks are a response to Congress criticism, which accuses the Modi administration of selectively interpreting World Bank data to inflate claims about India's equality advances. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the government was overlooking essential findings, such as the 28.1 percent of the population living below the poverty line and notable wage gaps.
“Jairam Ramesh needs to recognize that inflation and unemployment rates are currently at their lowest in recent years,” Islam countered. “The Congress has often promised ‘garibi hatao’ slogans, but we are the ones who have delivered.”
Islam further emphasized the BJP’s achievements in job creation, noting that over 170 million jobs have been created during Modi's tenure, compared to just 28 million under Congress.
“At this pace, the number of new jobs could soon be five times the size of the opposition party’s membership,” he added.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the BJP's claims regarding income equality progress are backed by substantial data but are also met with skepticism from the opposition. The discourse around these figures highlights the ongoing political rivalry and the importance of factual representation in governance.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gini Index?
The Gini Index is a statistical measure of income distribution that represents income inequality within a nation. A lower Gini Index indicates more equal income distribution.
How has India's poverty rate changed?
India's poverty rate has significantly decreased from 27 percent during the UPA era to 5.35 percent currently, lifting over 270 million people out of poverty.
What does the World Bank report say about India's inequality?
The World Bank report indicates that India's Gini Index has improved, suggesting a decrease in income inequality compared to previous years.
What are the political implications of these findings?
The findings have sparked political debates, with the BJP using them to bolster their claims of effective governance while the opposition questions the interpretation of the data.
What is the significance of job creation statistics?
The BJP claims to have created over 170 million jobs, which they assert is a testament to their economic policies, contrasting with the 28 million jobs created during the Congress government's tenure.
