The India Discrimination Report, published by Oxfam India, holds a mirror to the stark reality of discrimination faced by women and marginalized communities within the job market. Utilizing data from the National Sample Survey on employment unemployment (2004-05), the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in 2018-19 and 2019-20, and the All-India Debt and Investment Survey, the report provides valuable insights into socio-economic disparities and challenges.
Discrimination towards Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
While the report observes a decline in discrimination towards these communities in urban areas owing to education and supportive government policies, the rural regions have witnessed a contrasting upward trend of such bias, especially in casual employment. Furthermore, the earnings discrepancy is glaring — for instance, average income of self-employed workers from non-SCs/ST categories in 2019-20 was Rs 15,878, compared to Rs 10,533 for those from SC or ST backgrounds. This suggests that non-SC/ST self-employed workers earn a third more than their SC or ST counterparts.
Gender-Based Disparities
The issue of gender discrimination transcends all boundaries – be it religion, caste, or geographic location. Over the years, this discrimination has intensified, increasing from 67.2% in 2004-05 to 75.7% in 2019-20. The wage gaps between men and women are substantial, ranging from 50% to 70% for casual workers in both urban and rural areas, with the disparity being more profound among the self-employed, where men earn 4 to 5 times that of women. This can largely be attributed to the structural issues and inherent biases within society that lead to unequal earnings under ‘normal circumstances’.
Addressing Discrimination: Constitutional Provisions and Reforms
India’s constitution champions the right to equality, prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This right extends to citizens and foreigners alike, as well as corporate entities. In matters of public employment or appointment to any public office, equality of opportunity is guaranteed under Article 16.
Government Initiatives for Women Empowerment
Efforts such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Ujjawala Yojna, Swadhar Greh, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, and One Stop Centre have been launched by the government to empower women and tackle gender-based discrimination.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Launched in April 2017 by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the PLFS aims to estimate key employment and unemployment indicators in both rural and urban areas annually, as well as in the short time interval of three months for urban areas only.
Understanding Demographic Dividend
Demographic dividend refers to the economic growth spurred by a shift in a country’s population age structure, typically resulting from a drop in fertility and mortality rates. When the working population expands while the number of dependents shrinks, resources can be redirected from care to investment, accelerating economic growth. For India, this demographic dividend highlights a significant proportion of the population’s age between 15-64 years, indicating a high working-age population and labour force.
Challenges and Measures for Inclusive Growth
Inclusive growth requires careful management of manpower and a strategic approach towards minimizing disparities. Despite progress, challenges persist, including a careless and under-skilled labour force. To address these hurdles, measures such as improved legislation against discrimination, targeted schemes to empower marginalized communities, and better education systems should be prioritized.
