Dynamics of consumption inequality among occupational groups in India: Evidence from National Sample Survey data.

This study analyses the dynamics of consumption inequality among various occupational groups using household survey data from National Sample Survey (NSS). Three rounds of NSS data namely, the 50th (1993–1994), 61st (2004–2005), and 66th (2009–2010) were taken for the purpose of analysis. Various measures such as Gini coefficient, overlapping index, and raking matrices are estimated for the whole as well as the subgroups using ANOGI methodology. From the analysis, it is found that the level of overall inequality as well as the between‐group inequality is on the rise during the period of analysis. Further, the measures such as relative overlap index and ranking matrices give conclusive evidence that the difference between various groups in terms of consumption expenditure pattern is increasing over time. From the ranking matrices, it is seen that the last six groups, constituting households with occupation in the unorganized sector and low level organized workers falls below the 30th percentile of consumption expenditure distribution of the first group groups that consists of individuals holding to technical, administrative, managerial, and executive occupations. Worsening inequality across various occupational groups is a matter of concern, especially from the policy perspective. As economic growth without equitable distribution of income is not a desirable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]