Renowned economist Jean Drèze has been awarded the prestigious Global Inequality Research Award during the World Inequality Conference held at the Paris School of Economics. This accolade recognizes his extensive research and advocacy on poverty and inequality in India, particularly his efforts surrounding the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Food Security Act.

Upon receiving the award, Drèze humbly acknowledged the collaborative nature of his work, stating, “This recognition is not something I achieved on my own. All the work I do is in collaboration with people and collectives working for change.” His words resonate deeply in a country where social inequities are profound and systemic.

Drèze highlighted the multifaceted nature of inequality in India, pointing out that it encompasses not just economic disparities but also entrenched caste divisions, significant gender inequalities, and vast differences in educational access. He noted, “India has all possible varieties of inequality – not only astronomical economic inequality, but also the caste system, huge gender disparities, massive disparities in access to education, and so forth.” Yet, he remains optimistic, emphasizing India’s rich history of resistance against such inequalities, which he has been fortunate to witness and be part of throughout his career.

The Global Inequality Research Award is presented biennially, celebrating researchers who have made impactful contributions to understanding global inequalities. This year marks the second edition of the award; in its inaugural ceremony in 2022, the award was bestowed upon Bina Agarwal and James K Boyce for their significant work addressing social and environmental inequalities.

In recent years, Drèze has been an outspoken critic of any moves to repeal the MGNREGA, arguing that it has been pivotal in providing a safety net for millions of rural families. His ongoing commitment to addressing these pressing issues through rigorous research and advocacy continues to inspire many across India, making his work not just relevant but essential in the ongoing fight against inequality.