Gini Coefficient Trends

Updated 8 Mar 2026

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  • Gini Coefficient: 0 (equality) to 1 (inequality).
  • India Gini (consumption): ~0.35-0.37 (World Bank, 2018).
  • Trend: Rising since 1990s liberalization.
  • Rural Gini: ~0.28-0.30 (NSSO, 2011-12).
  • Urban Gini: ~0.36-0.39 (NSSO, 2011-12).
  • Key Drivers: Skill-biased tech, informal sector, uneven growth.
  • Policy Tools: MNREGA, PDS, progressive taxation, skill development.

GINI-TREND: Global comparison (India vs BRICS/Developed) Increasing inequality (since 1990s) NSSO data (consumption-based Gini) Informal sector (major driver) Technology (skill-biased change) Rural-Urban divide (urban higher) Economic reforms (LPG impact) No Kuznets (prolonged rise) Distribution policies (MNREGA, PDS)