Delhi leads in earning and spending

SPLURGE ON

According to a recent report released by Delhi government the national capital take a lead when it comes to earning and spending.

The capital’s monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) in urban areas increased from Rs 2,078 in 2008 to Rs 2,905 in 2010 – well above the national urban spending average of Rs 1,984.

Delhi’s per capita annual income at Rs 1.16 lakh is also the highest among all states and union territories.

The statistical report, ‘Level and Pattern of Household Consumer Expenditure in Delhi’, is based on a sample survey conducted during July 2009-June 2010 under National Sample Survey’s 66th round.

“I spend mostly on clothes, shoes and food items. Every month I nearly spend Rs 3,000 on footwear,” said Vijay Kumar, who works with a multinational company. Shahid Khan, a media professional says, “Apart from paying for my house and car, most of my salary is spent on branded clothes and partying with friends that invariably includes good food and drinks.”

The monthly per capita expenditure of 51 per cent of the total households in Delhi is Rs 2,501 and above, followed by 46 per cent in the range of Rs 1,001 to 2,500 and just three per cent below Rs 100.

“The per capita expenditure is highest because one reason is inflation which resulted in the price hike. Everyone is living on credit these due to easy availability of loans for housing, vehicles and education. This has led to a better standard of living, increased pay scales and expenditures,” said Vinayak Garg who works in a finance firm.

In urban areas of Delhi, about 36 per cent of monthly per capita expenditure is on food items. Around 10 per cent is spent on milk and milk products, seven per cent on cereals and pulses, two per cent on edible oils, four per cent on vegetables and two per cent on fruit. Among the non-food items, about eight per cent is spent on fuel, six per cent on clothing and bedding, nine per cent on education, two per cent on medical expenses and seven per cent on rent.

At the national level, in urban areas, 39 per cent of monthly expenditure is on food.
The report also says about 90 per cent of the total households use LPG as fuel for cooking while only 4.81 per cent are dependent on kerosene and 1.62 per cent on firewood.