Wednesday, April 2, 2025

M’laya has widest rural-urban economic divide, survey shows

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Average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure for rural households in the state stood at Rs 3,578, while urban households spent Rs 7,292. This contrast brings to the forefront the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities and infrastructure across Meghalaya

SHILLONG, Jan 7: Revealing a striking economic disparity in Meghalaya, a study has shown that urban households spend 104% more on average than their rural counterparts marking the widest rural-urban gap in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in India, surpassing states like Jharkhand (83%) and Chhattisgarh (80%).
According to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) between August 2023 and July 2024, the average MPCE for rural households in Meghalaya stood at Rs 3,578, while urban households spent Rs 7,292. This contrast brings to the forefront the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities and infrastructure across the state.
While Meghalaya is renowned for its rich natural resources and cultural diversity, its economic landscape paints a different picture. The state’s rugged terrain and lack of connectivity isolate rural communities, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This, in turn, affects consumption patterns, with rural households focusing on basic necessities while urban households allocate more for non-food items like transportation, durable goods, and services.
National trends from the survey indicate that non-food items make up a significant portion of household expenditure, accounting for 53% in rural areas and 60% in urban areas. For Meghalaya, the gap in spending on non-food items is particularly wide, with urban households spending considerably more on transport, clothing, and other services compared to their rural counterparts.
Interestingly, Sikkim emerged as the state with the highest MPCE in India (Rural: Rs 9,377; Urban: Rs 13,927), showcasing its relatively balanced development model. On the other end of the spectrum, Chhattisgarh reported the lowest MPCE (Rural: Rs 2,739; Urban: Rs 4,927).
For Meghalaya, the data highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to bridge the rural-urban divide. Investments in rural infrastructure, digital connectivity, and skill development could help rural communities access better opportunities and improve their standard of living.
As the state grapples with economic disparities, experts have emphasised the importance of inclusive development. Meghalaya’s diverse and resource-rich rural areas hold immense potential, but without equitable access to opportunities and amenities, the gap between urban and rural households is likely to widen further.

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