Rural Distress

Not only are the predominantly informal workers paid a pittance, but the increase in rural wages for this category was a mere 0.55 percent over the period between April 2021—March 2022 and October 2022-September 2023

Did rural distress impact India’s Lok Sabha election results?

“Rural distress has not been receiving adequate attention from policymakers. The MGNREGA and subsidy allocations have been coming down in the last 2-3 years. This requires analysis and necessary adjustments by policymakers,” DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, E&Y, said.

Facing multiple headwinds, two-wheeler demand unlikely to perk up soon

Dealers said that the conversion of enquiries to sales was low this festive season

Budget 2020: Structural change needed to deal with persistent rural distress

Small and marginal farmers need to be brought in to the fold through custom servicing or rental models

FMCG sales hit by rural shoppers' reduced spending

Consumers in rural India go easy on buying staples such as atta, salt, cooking oils and household goods, says report.

Budget Snapshots | Policy measures to boost rural consumption will benefit select FMCG companies

In the upcoming Budget, there are expectations for policy measures that can put more money in the hands of rural consumers.

Opinion | Why the markets want another term for Modi

The Congress manifesto will reinforce investor fears about populism.

Opinion | Will dismal rural wage growth be Modi's Achilles heel in the elections?

Rural wage growth has fallen off the cliff. It is therefore small wonder that, at the fag end of its term, the Modi government has been trying its best to dole out sops to this class.

Comment | What you should look out for in Budget 2019

The government is likely to address rural distress. Some are also talking about poverty alleviation schemes which could even include Universal Basic Income.

Comment | Rural distress or growing demand, what should investors believe?

Farm distress is a real risk to the health of the rural economy. But rural demand seems to be in good spirits, posing a dilemma for investors

Opinion | Farmers in India don't earn much; many are terribly exploited

The current model adopted by the government — of being both the subsidy provider and the procurement price player — has failed to deliver good results. It has made the farmer lose incomes and even self-respect

Budget 2016: See no political will to address agrarian crisis, says Yadav

The current government has been the most indifferent to the agrarian crisis in the last 50-60 years, says Yogendra Yadav, Founder, Swaraj Abhiyan.