By Muslim Mirror Staff
According to the Oxfam discrimination report report “historically oppressed groups such as Dalits (formerly untouchables), tribals and religious minorities such as Muslims” continue to face discrimination in accessing jobs, livelihoods, and agricultural credit in India.
“During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sharpest increase in unemployment – at 17% – was for Muslims,” the report says.
“The fall-out of discrimination in Indian society is not just social and moral but also economic, leading to adverse consequences to society,” Amitabh Behar, Oxfam India’s CEO, said.
According to a report, Indian women endure discrimination in the workplace and earn less than men despite having the same education and work history.
“The inequality for women and other social categories is not just due to poor access to education or work experience but because of discrimination,” Behar said.
Researchers from Oxfam utilised statistical models to quantify discrimination by examining government data on employment, income, health, and access to agricultural finance for different social groups between 2004 and 2020.
According to the report , men made 4,000 rupees ($50; £44) more per month than women, non-Muslims made 7,000 rupees more per month than Muslims, and persons from the lowest castes and tribes made 5,000 rupees less per month than others.
The Oxfam CEO said the government, political parties, policymakers and civil society must work together to build a discrimination-free India.
