The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey published for 2023-24 indicates a reduction in spending inequality both between rural and urban regions and among various social categories.
Non-food items continued to be the main factor influencing average monthly spending.
The disparity in spending between rural and urban areas decreased to 69.7% in the 2023-24 period, down from 71.2% in 2022-23. In comparison, the spending gap stood at 83.9% in 2011-12.
In rural regions, the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) rose by 9.2%, reaching Rs 4,122 in 2023-24, up from Rs 3,773 the previous year. Meanwhile, urban areas experienced an 8.3% increase, bringing the MPCE to Rs 6,996.
The ministry of statistics and programme implementation (MoSPI) carried out the survey from August 2023 to July 2024.
