Opposition criticizes budget, citing extreme inequality and weakened rights.

Opposition parties accuse the government of favoring the privileged in the budget.

Opposition parties have criticized the government, stating that inequality is extreme, rights are being weakened, and the budget favors the privileged. They accuse the government of ignoring the needs of the poor and marginalized. The opposition claims the budget caters to the wealthy and corporations, exacerbating economic disparities. They also express concern over the erosion of civil liberties and democratic institutions under the current administration.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Social Justice and Governance

GS Paper 3: Inclusive Growth and Development

Potential for analytical questions on the role of government in addressing inequality

Visual Insights

Key Concerns Highlighted by the Opposition

Dashboard summarizing the opposition's concerns regarding inequality and rights.

Extreme Inequality: High
Weakened Rights: Erosion

More Information

Background

The concept of inequality has been a subject of debate and policy intervention for centuries. Philosophers like Rousseau and Marx have written extensively on its societal impact. Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. It is often measured using metrics like the Gini coefficient. Historically, various measures have been adopted to address inequality. These include progressive taxation, land reforms, and social welfare programs. The Indian Constitution, through its Directive Principles of State Policy, aims to minimize inequalities in income and eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities. The concept of social justice is enshrined in the Constitution. Several laws and policies in India aim to reduce inequality. The Minimum Wages Act ensures a basic standard of living for workers. Reservation policies aim to provide representation to marginalized communities. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides employment opportunities in rural areas.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing debate on the issue of inequality in India. Reports from organizations like Oxfam have highlighted the growing gap between the rich and the poor. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these inequalities, with marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. The government has implemented various schemes to address inequality, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which aims to provide access to financial services for all. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidized food grains to a large section of the population. However, critics argue that these measures are not sufficient to address the root causes of inequality. Looking ahead, it is expected that the issue of inequality will continue to be a major policy challenge. There is a need for more comprehensive and targeted interventions to address the structural factors that contribute to inequality. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and skill development, as well as promoting inclusive growth and creating more employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is economic inequality, and why is it a concern in the context of the opposition's criticism of the budget?

Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income and opportunities among different groups in society. The opposition is using it to criticize the budget because they believe the budget favors the wealthy, exacerbating this inequality and ignoring the needs of the poor and marginalized.

2. How might the opposition's claims about weakened rights impact the UPSC Mains exam, specifically concerning Polity & Governance?

The opposition's claims can be linked to topics like Fundamental Rights and the role of the government in protecting civil liberties. Mains answers could discuss the importance of these rights, potential threats to them, and the government's responsibility in upholding them. Consider examples of policies or actions that the opposition might cite as evidence of weakened rights.

3. Why is the issue of 'extreme inequality' in the news recently, according to the provided information?

The issue of extreme inequality is in the news because opposition parties are criticizing the government's budget, claiming it favors the privileged and exacerbates economic disparities. Reports from organizations like Oxfam and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have also highlighted and worsened existing inequalities.

4. What is the Gini coefficient, and how is it relevant to the opposition's criticism of the budget?

The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion intended to represent the income or wealth distribution of a nation's residents, and is the most commonly used measurement of inequality. A higher Gini coefficient indicates greater inequality. The opposition might use trends in the Gini coefficient to argue that the budget is failing to address inequality or is even making it worse.

5. How could you respond to the interviewer if asked about your opinion on the opposition's criticism of the budget regarding inequality and weakened rights?

A balanced response would acknowledge the opposition's concerns while also recognizing the government's efforts to address inequality. You could mention specific government schemes aimed at poverty alleviation and social welfare. It's important to demonstrate an understanding of both sides of the issue and avoid taking an extreme position.

6. What are some potential UPSC Prelims MCQs that could be framed based on the opposition's criticism of the budget and its impact on inequality?

MCQs could focus on: (1) Understanding the concept of economic inequality. (2) Identifying metrics used to measure inequality (e.g., Gini coefficient). (3) Recognizing government schemes aimed at addressing inequality. (4) Understanding the role of Fundamental Rights in protecting citizens. The questions might present scenarios requiring you to apply these concepts.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Gini coefficient: 1. It is a measure of statistical dispersion intended to represent the income inequality or wealth inequality within a nation. 2. A Gini coefficient of 0 represents perfect equality, while a value of 1 represents maximal inequality. 3. The Gini coefficient is used to measure inequality only in developed countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Gini coefficient is indeed a measure of statistical dispersion used to represent income or wealth inequality within a nation. Statement 2 is CORRECT: A Gini coefficient of 0 represents perfect equality (everyone has the same income or wealth), while a value of 1 represents maximal inequality (one person has all the income or wealth). Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Gini coefficient is used to measure inequality in both developed and developing countries. It is a widely used metric for comparing income distribution across different countries and over time.

2. Which of the following provisions in the Indian Constitution directly address the issue of economic inequality? 1. Article 14, guaranteeing equality before the law. 2. Article 39(c), directing the State to ensure that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment. 3. Article 43, securing a living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, which indirectly helps in addressing economic inequality by ensuring equal opportunities. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 39(c) directly addresses economic inequality by directing the State to prevent the concentration of wealth. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Article 43 aims to secure a living wage and decent standard of life, which is crucial for reducing economic disparities.

3. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at providing social security and welfare to the unorganized sector in India? 1. Atal Pension Yojana 2. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan 3. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Atal Pension Yojana provides a pension scheme for workers in the unorganized sector. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan is a pension scheme specifically targeted at unorganized sector workers. MGNREGA provides guaranteed wage employment to rural households, offering social security.

4. Assertion (A): Opposition parties criticize the budget, citing extreme inequality and weakened rights. Reason (R): The opposition claims the budget caters to the wealthy and corporations, exacerbating economic disparities and erosion of civil liberties. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true but R is false
D.A is false but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are directly derived from the provided summary. The opposition's criticism (Assertion A) is based on their belief that the budget favors the wealthy, leading to increased inequality and weakened rights (Reason R). Therefore, R is the correct explanation for A.