From a record-breaking number of households demanding work under the MGNREGS to the stark decline in consumption and FMCG sales — all signs point to a rural livelihood crisis.
It’s hard not to link this problem with growth of income inequality in recent times. Far too many are earning far too little to support consumption growth of the kind economy needs.
With consumption making up around 60% of India’s economy, the slump is weighing on Asia’s third-largest economy, which is on track for its first contraction in more than four decades.
Kids are denied lunch and weddings are austere as rural consumption takes a beating due to economic slowdown. ThePrint travels through UP to meet people caught in the crisis.
Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.
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