The number of Indian billionaires grew from 102 to 142, while 84 per cent of households in the country suffered a decline in their income in 2021, according to Oxfam India's latest report.
The report indicates that the collective wealth of India's 100 richest people hit a record high of Rs 57.3 lakh crore in 2021.
The wealth of billionaires increased from Rs 23.14 lakh crore to Rs 53.16 lakh crore, during the pandemic (since March 2020, through to November 30th, 2021).
The stark wealth inequality in India is a result of an economic system rigged in favour of the super-rich over the poor and marginalised, the report said
Amitabh Behar, CEO, Oxfam India said, "The 'Inequality Kills' briefing shows how deeply unequal our economic system is and how it fuels not only inequality but poverty as well. "
The report stated that the pandemic set gender parity back from 99 years to now 135 years.
(With inputs from IANS)
