'Indian planning could not meet its most cherished goal of achieving an egalitarian for Indians.'

India is a large and diverse country with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The Indian government has long sought to achieve an egalitarian society, where all citizens have equal opportunities and a decent standard of living. However, despite significant efforts and progress, India has not been able to fully achieve this goal. Here are some reasons why:

Poverty: India has a high poverty rate, with about 21% of its population living below the poverty line. This means that a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This inequality is particularly acute in rural areas, where the poverty rate is higher than in urban areas.

Income inequality: India also has a high level of income inequality, with a small portion of the population controlling a large share of the country's wealth. According to the World Bank, India's Gini coefficient (a measure of income inequality) was 0.5 in 2018, which is considered high. This income inequality is reflected in the country's distribution of wealth, with the top 1% of the population owning over 50% of the country's wealth.

Education: Education is a key factor in determining an individual's socio-economic status, and India has made significant progress in expanding access to education. However, there are still significant disparities in terms of access to quality education, with rural and poorer areas often lagging behind urban and wealthier areas. This can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Caste system: India's caste system, which divides people into distinct social groups based on their occupation and social status, has also contributed to inequality. The system, which was officially abolished in 1950, still holds significant influence in Indian society and can limit opportunities for those who are considered to be lower in the caste hierarchy.

Gender inequality: India also has a high level of gender inequality, with women often facing discrimination and exclusion in various spheres of life. This is reflected in the country's gender pay gap, which is among the highest in the world, as well as in other indicators such as the low representation of women in the workforce and in politics.

Overall, while India has made significant progress in reducing poverty and expanding access to education and other services, it still has a long way to go in terms of achieving an egalitarian society. Tackling issues such as poverty, income inequality, and discrimination will be crucial in ensuring that all Indians have an equal chance at a decent standard of living.