Monthly household consumer spending more than doubled in last decade

The per capita monthly household expenditure more than doubled in 2022-23 as compared to 2011-12, according to the latest study of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). NSSO, under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, conducted the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) during August 2022 to July 2023, an official statement said on Saturday.

The survey aims to generate estimates of household Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) and its distribution separately for the rural and urban sectors of the country, for states and Union Territories, and different socio-economic groups. As per the survey, the average MPCE at current prices (without imputation) more than doubled to Rs 6,459 in urban areas in 2022-23 from Rs 2,630 in 2011-12. Similarly in rural areas, it jumped to Rs 3,773 from Rs 1,430 at current prices.

As per the study, the average MPCE at 2011-12 prices (without imputation) also increased to Rs 3,510 in 2022-23 from Rs 2,630 in 2011-12 in urban areas. Similarly, it rose to Rs 2,008 from Rs 1,430 in rural areas at 2011-12 prices. It showed that the average MPCE also increased (with imputation) to Rs 6,521 in 2022-23 from Rs 2,630 in 2011-12 at current prices in urban areas.
Similarly, it rose to Rs 3,860 from Rs 1,430 in rural areas. The average MPCE at 2011-12 prices (with imputation) increased to Rs 3,544 in 2022-23 from Rs 2,630 in 2011-12 in urban areas. It increased to Rs 2,054 from Rs 1,430 in rural areas.

The estimates of MPCE are based on the data collected from 2,61,746 households (1,55,014 in rural areas and 1,06,732 in urban areas) in the central sample spread over all states and Union Territories. In HCES:2022-23, the usual practice of imputation of the value figures for consumption out of home-grown/home-produced stock and gifts, loans, free collection and goods received in exchange of goods and services etc. Has been continued; and accordingly, estimates of MPCE have been generated. Besides, a provision for collection of information on the quantity of consumption for a number of items, received and consumed by the households free of cost through various social welfare programmes has been made in HCES:2022-23.

Consequently, the value figures for food items: rice, wheat/atta, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, barley, small millets, pulses, gram, salt, sugar, edible oil and non-food items: laptop/PC, tablet, mobile handset, bicycle, motorcycle/Scooty, clothing (school uniform), footwear (school shoe etc.) received free of cost by the households through these programmes, have been imputed using an appropriate method. Accordingly, another set of estimates of MPCE considering imputed values of these items and of consumption out of home produce, free collection, gifts, loans etc. Has also been compiled for HCES: 2022-23.