Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A nationwide survey of what households spend on food and other items each month. It shows living standards, the rural–urban gap and inequality, and feeds into poverty and price-index work.
| Published by | National Statistics Office, MoSPI |
|---|---|
| What it measures | Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE), share of food and non-food spending, and consumption inequality (Gini coefficient). |
| How often | Periodic (2022-23 and 2023-24 rounds) |
| Latest edition | HCES 2023-24 (fieldwork August 2023–July 2024; factsheet released 27 December 2024) |
India's figures
| Average MPCE, rural, 2023-24 | ₹4,122 (₹4,247 including free items from welfare schemes) |
|---|---|
| Average MPCE, urban, 2023-24 | ₹6,996 (₹7,078 including free items) |
| Urban–rural gap in MPCE | 70% in 2023-24 (84% in 2011-12) |
| Gini coefficient of consumption, 2023-24 | Rural 0.237; urban 0.284 (both lower than 2022-23) |
| Share of non-food items in spending | About 53% rural; 60% urban |
All opinions on a report gather in one debate topic, so they count together.