📄 Abstract
The study examines wage differences across castes using insights from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023. It evaluates wages earned by Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and Scheduled Tribes relative to those of workers from other castes. In addition to wages, comparisons are made in terms of education, vocational and technical training, and employment type. The study concludes that the relative wages of deprived castes have improved, yet they still earn less than others, even with improved standards of education. Furthermore, this gap does not narrow with educational advances; in many cases, it widens. The Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method reveals that while part of the gap can be explained by differences in education, experience, and occupations, a significant proportion remains unexplained. In turn, this inequity is felt most by those engaged in regular work, regardless of caste. The study also provides evidence that a greater number of deprived castes work in informal jobs. The paper argues that closing the caste wage gap requires a broad policy response, including anti-discrimination law, formalisation of informal work, and fairer hiring practices.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Praveen Kumar , CASTE AND UNEQUAL RETURNS TO HUMAN CAPITAL IN INDIA’S LABOUR MARKET: EVIDENCE FROM PLFS 2023-24 , Volume 14 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review(JEBR) , Pages: 24 - 30 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31520