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Analysis Study Research Paper | Social Studies | India | Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025 | Popularity: 4.3 / 10
Bridging the Divide: Constitutional Ideals and the Persistent Reality of Economic Inequality in India
Viswas Vinod
Abstract: The Indian Constitution offers a bold vision of socio-economic justice, yet the stark reality of persistent economic inequality reveals a troubling disconnect between its ideals and their realization. This paper delves into the constitutional framework-particularly the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) like Article 39 and Fundamental Rights such as Articles 14, 15, and 17-designed to foster equitable resource distribution and dismantle systemic disparities rooted in caste and poverty. It is evident that, despite notable economic progress since independence, wealth concentration and structural barriers continue to sideline marginalized communities, especially in rural areas and lower castes. Drawing from scholars like Thorat et al. (2010) and Nilsen (2019), I explore how caste-based discrimination and rural stagnation perpetuate this gap, while critiquing the limitations of state-led welfare efforts, such as targeting errors and administrative inefficiencies noted by Rahman and Pingali (2024). This suggests that translating constitutional promises into meaningful outcomes demands more than aspirational principles; it requires robust policy execution and innovative reforms like cash transfers or enhanced legal accountability. By proposing actionable recommendations, this paper seeks to contribute to a deeper conversation about aligning India?s constitutional ethos with the lived experiences of its people.
Keywords: Economic inequality, Indian Constitution, Caste discrimination, Socio-Economic rights, Rural poverty
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025
Pages: 1513 - 1516
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR25329165211
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