What does the HCES 2023-24 survey reveal about tobacco consumption in India?

The HCES 2023-24 survey reveals a significant rise in tobacco consumption, particularly in poorer rural and urban households, with increased spending and a higher number of consuming households.

Which tobacco products are most popular in rural and urban India, according to the survey?

In rural India, gutkha and leaf tobacco use are driving the surge, while in urban areas, cigarette consumption is high, but gutkha is rapidly increasing.

How does tobacco consumption affect India's public healthcare system?

Rising tobacco use, concentrated among the poor, drives chronic diseases, increasing the financial burden on state-funded healthcare schemes and potentially straining their long-term sustainability.

Home / Health / India's Poor Sink Deeper into Tobacco Trap

India's Poor Sink Deeper into Tobacco Trap

21 Jan

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Summary

Tobacco spending rose 58% in rural and 77% in urban India since 2011-12.
Rural gutkha use surged sixfold, now a major expenditure for households.
Poorer households spend a larger share of income on tobacco than the wealthy.

India's Poor Sink Deeper into Tobacco Trap

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 indicates a worrying increase in tobacco consumption across India, disproportionately affecting poorer households. Between 2011-12 and 2023-24, inflation-adjusted per capita tobacco spending rose by 58% in rural areas and 77% in urban areas.

The number of tobacco-consuming households has dramatically increased. Rural areas saw a 33% rise, while urban areas experienced a 59% jump. Gutkha consumption has surged sixfold in rural India, now representing 41% of all rural tobacco expenditure. Cigarette consumption remains high in cities, but gutkha use is rapidly gaining ground.

Geographically, gutkha consumption is concentrated in central India, with states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh showing very high prevalence. Worryingly, urban consumption patterns are starting to mirror rural trends. Southern states also show troubling increases.