HCES 2023-24 report: rural MPCE ₹4,122, urban ₹6,996; consumption inequality falls
MoSPI released the detailed report of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 on 30 January 2025, putting average monthly per capita consumption expenditure at ₹4,122 in rural and ₹6,996 in urban India.
Summary
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the detailed report and unit-level data of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 on 30 January 2025. HCES 2023-24 estimated average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) at ₹4,122 in rural and ₹6,996 in urban India, without imputed values of free items, and the urban–rural MPCE gap narrowed to 70% from 84% in 2011-12. The Gini coefficient of consumption fell to 0.237 in rural and 0.284 in urban areas in 2023-24, from 0.266 and 0.314 in 2022-23. Among major states, Kerala had the lowest urban–rural gap (about 18%) and Jharkhand the highest (about 83%).
Key facts
- Released
- 30 January 2025
- Rural MPCE
- ₹4,122 (₹4,247 with imputation)
- Urban MPCE
- ₹6,996 (₹7,078 with imputation)
- Urban–rural gap
- 70% (84% in 2011-12)
- Gini, rural
- 0.266 → 0.237
- Gini, urban
- 0.314 → 0.284
- Sample
- 2,61,953 households
- Lowest / highest gap
- Kerala ~18% / Jharkhand ~83%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What was the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in rural India in 2023-24, as per HCES 2023-24 (without imputation)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹4,122
PIB 2097601: average MPCE in 2023-24 was ₹4,122 (rural) and ₹6,996 (urban) without imputed values; with imputation ₹4,247 and ₹7,078.
Among major states, which state had the lowest urban–rural gap in average MPCE in 2023-24 according to HCES 2023-24?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kerala
PIB 2097601: the lowest urban–rural gap in 2023-24 was in Kerala (about 18%) and the highest in Jharkhand (around 83%).
Consider the following statements about HCES 2023-24: 1. The urban–rural gap in MPCE declined to 70% in 2023-24. 2. The Gini coefficient of consumption in rural areas declined to 0.237. 3. The Gini coefficient in urban areas rose compared to 2022-23. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097601: the urban–rural gap fell to 70% and rural Gini fell to 0.237; urban Gini also fell, from 0.314 to 0.284, so statement 3 is wrong.