The CRI Index tracks 161 countries’ performance in reducing inequality among its population.
The index ranks countries based on their policies and actions in the areas of public services (health, education and social protection), Taxation and Workers’ rights.
It is a joint project of Oxfam International and Development Finance International.
The 2022 edition is the first detailed assessment of the countries’ policies and actions combating inequality during the pandemic years.
50% of the low-income and lower middle-income countries have cut the share of healthcare expenditure in their budgets.
50% of all countries have reduced the share of social protection spending and 70% of the countries have cut the share of education spending.
143 countries have refrained from increasing the tax rate on the richest citizenry.
11 governments have actually lowered the tax rates for the rich.
The Norway tops the 2022 index.
It is followed by Germany, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Denmark, and New Zealand.
India has been ranked at the 123rd spot, which is an improvement of 6 places since 2020 (ranked at 129th position).
However, the country has come down 2 spots with regards to health spending.