The different kinds of social inequalities that exist in India are discussed below:

i. The Caste system - One of the effects of this system is to formalise discrimination against the lower castes, a problem that was (and still is, to some extent) most severe for the very lowest rung of society, the Untouchables. Prior to independence, the number of people labelled as Untouchable accounted for perhaps 20% of the population of India. These people were subjected to severe limitations, and were excluded from temples, cremation grounds, wells, and other public utilities. Social prejudices excluded them from barber shops, restaurants, and hotels. In some areas, even the sight of some Untouchables was regarded polluting, and they were only allowed out of their houses at night, and banned from living within half a mile of a village

Untouchables were grouped with Scheduled Tribes, and given reserved seats in central and state legislature , a quota of about 12% of higher-level civil service posts. They were also exempt from payment of education fees, given hostel accommodation and scholarships, special land allotments, access to housing, health care and legal aid. However, in practice, the reservation of higher education places had little impact because of the low level of basic education. Deep prejudices remained, and children from Untouchable families were excluded from schools, or ignored if they were allowed to attend. By the 1960s, the Scheduled caste literacy rate was still only 30% of that for the nation as a whole. Lack of education is also perpetuated by economic necessity: the need for children to earn income limits the hours available for education. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that village healthcare is denied to the Scheduled castes, because high caste Hindu health workers refuse to enter their homes. Thus, those from the scheduled castes still tend to remain in poorly paid and unclean occupations.

ii. Inequalities in landholding and property - At Independence, India had a large population of landless poor in rural areas, and set about an ambitious program of land reform. National and State laws were introduced to limit the size of family holdings, and to protect the rights of tenant farmers. Progress was rapid at first, but has slowed considerably. Another example of perpetuating inequalities is given by the Green Revolution. This was a transformation in agricultural practices that occurred in 1967-1978, associated with the expansion of area under agriculture, double cropping, and the introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of staple foodstuffs such as rice, wheat, and maize. India enthusiastically embraced the Green Revolution, as part of its move to ensure food security after Independence. (A severe famine had occurred in Bengal under British rule, in 1943, when 4 million people died of hunger). In material terms, the Green Revolution was very successful: yields increased dramatically. However, these benefits mainly went to the larger landowners. HYVs require greater inputs of fertiliser and pesticides, which the poor could not afford. This problem was exacerbated by the high rates of interest demanded by rural moneylenders in India. Pesticides have also created environmental problems. Additionally, the greater mechanisation of agriculture actually reduced the number of labouring jobs in some areas, making the landless even less secure. Thus, while the Green Revolution has resulted in benefits for some, it has also tended to increase inequalities in many areas. Plenty of food is available in India: in most parts of the country, the markets are well stocked with produce. Malnutrition is caused by a lack of ability to grow or purchase food.

iii. Gender inequality - Discrimination against girls and women is widespread in India, in both Hindu and Muslim communities. The dowry system (payment of money or goods by the family of a bride) means that girls are a financial burden, whereas boys are viewed as a source of income and prosperity. Nationwide, girls are fed less and taken to doctors less frequently, so mortality is greater. Death in childbirth is also unacceptably high: maternal death rates are over 0.5% of births. Education is also less available to women, and as a result, literacy rates are lower: nationally, literacy rates are 64% for males, but only 39% for women. In the poorer states, female literacy may be less than 25%. As a result, the level of opportunity for women is low. Lack of female education and power has been linked to high birth rates and population increase in the developing world. Recent government and international sponsored aid programs aim at improving education and economic opportunities for women, in the hope that more equitable development will result in an alleviation of poverty and a slowing of population increase.