Inter-and intra-state analysis of household consumer expenditure pattern in Karnataka

An attempt was made to analyse pattern of household consumer expenditure of Karnataka state. Pattern of consumer expenditure of Karnataka was compared with neighbouring states and one of the most developed states ie Punjab. District-wise analysis was carried out to capture intra-state variations in household consumer expenditure. Data were collected from 68^th NSSO round (July 2011-June 2012) of selected states and 66^th NSSO household consumer survey report of Karnataka. Based on the empirical analysis it was observed that proportion of expenditure on food in total expenditure was consistently declining over time both in rural and urban areas in the state. Further household consumer expenditure of the state especially in rural areas was lower than the expenditure incurred by households in neighbouring states or in Punjab. Even in respect of distribution of persons under different expenditure categories it was observed that more number of persons fell in least expenditure category in Karnataka when compared to other selected states. From intra-state analysis it was inferred that there existed considerable variation in consumption behaviour across districts of the state both in rural and urban areas. The analysis indicated that bringing households under the ambit of PDS and providing them local employment through programs like MGNAREGA would facilitate households to improve their food intake especially low consuming districts and facilitate improvement in overall household consumer expenditure.