Roots · अर्थ Economy

Growth has to reach the pay cheque.

Work, wages and spending at the middle and the bottom.

Who earns and who spends.

Labour force

Participation 55.5% and unemployment 5.0% in Sep 2026. Women’s participation reached 34.6%. DD India, 15 Oct 2026

Consumption

Household spending is about 61.5% of GDP, the highest since 2011-12. Down To Earth, 29 Jan 2026

The rural gap

Monthly spending per person ₹4,122 in villages and ₹6,996 in cities. The gap fell from 84% to 70% in twelve years. MoSPI

GST 2.0

From 22 Sep 2025 two main rates, 5% and 18%. Staples went to zero; ACs, TVs, small cars and bikes fell from 28% to 18%. WION, Sep 2025

Prices

Inflation reached 5.54% in Sep 2026, a 23-month high. Deccan Herald, 13 Oct 2026