India’s First Household Income Survey
In 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct India’s first comprehensive Household Income Survey. This initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of household incomes across the nation. A Technical Expert Group (TEG) has been established to guide the survey’s methodologies and ensure reliability in the findings. The survey will also explore how technology adoption impacts wages.
Historical Context of Income Surveys in India
India has a long history of attempts to gather household income data. Initial efforts began in the 1950s as part of consumer expenditure surveys. The 1960s saw further attempts through the Integrated Household Survey. However, these efforts faced challenges. Estimates of income were often lower than consumption and savings figures. In the 1980s, the feasibility of collecting income data was revisited but did not result in a national survey.
Current Need for Income Data
MoSPI has identified an urgent need for a dedicated income distribution survey. This need arises from structural changes in the Indian economy over the past 75 years. Accurate income data is essential for understanding economic disparities and shaping welfare policies. The latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures indicate a per capita gross national income of Rs 2.31 lakh for 2024-25, reflecting an 8.7% increase from the previous year.
Formation of the Technical Expert Group
The TEG is chaired by Surjit Bhalla, a noted economist and former Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund. The group includes experts from various prestigious institutions like the Indian Statistical Institute and the National Council of Applied Economic Research. Their role is to finalise concepts, definitions, and methods for the survey. They will also ensure that best practices from around the world are incorporated into the survey design.
Recent Surveys Conducted by MoSPI
In recent years, MoSPI has conducted multiple surveys to enhance understanding of the Indian economy. These include annual surveys on unincorporated enterprises and the service sector. The ministry has also revamped its Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to collect monthly income data from households. The findings from these surveys are expected to provide valuable vital information about various economic sectors.
Future Surveys and Expectations
MoSPI plans to release results from several key surveys in the coming months, including the Annual Survey of Industries and Household Social Consumption – Health. These surveys are crucial for policy-making and understanding the socio-economic landscape of India. The Household Income Survey is anticipated to be a landmark initiative, filling gap in data collection.
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