How Indian Households Allocate Every ₹100: A Closer Look at Spending Trends

From Staples to Services: India’s Changing Consumption Landscape

The newly released Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–24 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoS&PI) provides a granular look at how Indian households allocate every ₹100. The findings mark the first comprehensive update in over a decade, offering insights into evolving lifestyles and economic aspirations.

Key Highlights

• Food spending declines: Engel’s Law is validated households spend proportionally less on food as incomes rise.
• Shift to protein rich diets: Rural and urban families are moving away from staple heavy diets toward diverse, nutritious options.
• Education & healthcare rise: A growing middle class prioritizes learning and wellness, reflecting aspirational goals.
• Transport & services expand: Spending on conveyance, communication, and leisure services has increased significantly.
• Policy relevance: These trends inform poverty estimation, social sector planning, and highlight the lived realities of India’s expanding middle-income population.

India’s consumption story is no longer just about survival—it’s about aspiration, opportunity, and transformation.

Sources: The Hindu, Infinite IAS KAS, WebJosh