Consumption gap seen across UP districts: Report

New Delhi: A few districts in Uttar Pradesh reported a higher monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) than others in 2022-23, indicating a significant difference in living standards across the state, according to an analysis of a report released by the statistics and programme implementation ministry.In rural areas, districts such as Shrawasti (₹4,462), Gautam Buddha Nagar (₹4,454) and Bagpat (₹4,347) recorded the highest MPCE levels. By contrast, Mirzapur (₹2,409), Chandauli (₹2,367) and Sonbhadra (₹2,357) were at the bottom. Out of 75 districts in rural UP, 31 had a daily per capita expenditure of less than ₹100, showed the analysis of the report on model-based district-level estimates from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2022-23).In urban areas, Gautam Buddha Nagar (₹9,705), Gonda (₹8,133) and Bagpat (₹6,995) led the list, while Ghazipur (₹2,771), Ambedkar Nagar (₹2,653) and Ballia (₹2,581) recorded the lowest MPCE. Only four districts in urban UP had a daily per capita expenditure of less than ₹100. The district-level estimates are based on the Fay-Herriot model as it provides reliable statistics when sample size is small. The study by the ministry is crucial, the report said, adding, "Decentralised planning, welfare targeting, and evidence-based governance all depend on the district-level estimates." The statistics and programme implementation ministry is working to ascertain consumption, inflation and employment levels at the district level in the country. This is the first such report on district estimates for a state by the ministry.