Disability, Gender, and Caste Inequalities: A Review of India’s Efforts toward SDG 10

Description

Selvaraj Nallathambi (Department of Psychology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu)

SDG 10 is about reducing inequalities within and between countries, especially social, economic and political inclusion for all. In India, inequalities are rooted in history and exist on many axes – caste, gender and disability. This review looks at India’s progress towards SDG 10 by combining data from policy actions, national reviews and academic writing. While the country has made some progress – social protection, gender equality in education and disability rights law – structural barriers remain that perpetuate inequalities. Caste discrimination continues in education, employment and public services despite constitutional protections and affirmative action schemes. Gender disparity persists in the labour market, in earnings and in decision making positions, even as data on education and maternal health shows improvement. People with disability still face systemic marginalization due to lack of accessibility, social isolation and limited economic opportunities despite the passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016). Income inequality has decreased to some extent but caste, gender and disability based multidimensional inequalities continue to be outstanding issues. Reaching SDG 10 in India is not just about continued policy implementation but also deep structural change to eradicate social hierarchies, promote inclusive growth and leave no one left behind. Overall, this review finds that while India has started to move towards reducing inequalities, faster and intersectional approaches are needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda.