According to a survey by Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23, consumption of tobacco and alcohol has increased in both urban and rural areas of India. The data indicates that spending on tobacco and alcohol increased to 3.79% in 2022-23 in rural areas from 3.21% in 2011-2012. In urban areas also, the number increased from 1.61% from 2011-2012 to 2.43% in 2022-2023. 

The increase in these numbers is alarming when put against the decline in expenditure on education over the decade. It has decreased to 5.78% in 2022-2023 from 6.90% in 2011-2012. Similarly, education spending in rural areas decreased to 3.30% in 2022-2023 from 3.49% in 2011-2012. 

These numbers paint a scary picture of the future as they indicate an increase in unhealthy lifestyle choices among people in India. Speaking of unhealthy lifestyles, the expenditure on beverages and processed foods has also increased. In urban areas, the spending increased from 8.98% in 2011-2012 to 10.64% in 2022-2023. For rural areas, the expenditure increased from 7.90 per cent in 2011-12 to 9.62 per cent in 2022-23.

Increased spending on processed food and beverages is an indication of changed lifestyles over the decade. Mostly due to the urbanisation of the areas and increased disposable income. According to the survey, a rise in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) was also noticed. MPCE has doubled in the last decade in both urban and rural areas. This also indicates overall economic growth and higher living standards than before. 

The survey was conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in August 2022 and data was collected up till July 2023. The data was collected from 2,61,746 households of which 1,55,014 were in rural areas and 1,06,732 in urban areas all over the country including all states and Union territories. 

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