The Vanishing Indian Middle Class: A Struggle to Survive

 #685

Couple of articles I read, made me ponder on this topic. So here we go..........

The Indian middle class, once the backbone of the nation’s progress, is fading into a shadow of its former self. Families like my dad and others, earning between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 100,000 a month, used to feel secure. We had stable jobs in government or private sectors, good education, and the ability to think independently. We managed our lives with confidence. But today, that same middle class is struggling to keep up, squeezed by rising costs, shrinking support systems, and a society that seems to have forgotten us. Let’s dive into why this is happening and explore what can be done.

The Shrinking Value of Income

A few years ago, a salary of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 100,000 meant something. It could afford a decent home, education for kids, and small joys like family outings. Now, that income feels like pocket change. The cost of living has skyrocketed. Rent, groceries, school fees, and healthcare eat up most of the paycheck. A simple meal at a restaurant or a weekend movie feels like a luxury. Lifestyle expectations have also changed—smartphones, internet, branded clothes—are now seen as necessities, not extras. This leaves middle-class families stretched thin, barely saving anything for the future.

The Loss of the Joint Family Safety Net

In the past, the joint family was our strength. Grandparents, uncles, and aunts shared responsibilities, from childcare to emotional support. But jobs now take people far from home. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, or even smaller ones like Pune pull families apart. Most of us now live in nuclear families, managing everything alone. This means extra costs—daycare, domestic help, or eating out because there’s no time to cook. The emotional toll is even heavier. Without family nearby, loneliness creeps in, and the support system we once relied on is gone.

Government Neglect and Vanishing Opportunities

The middle class was never a strong vote bank, so the government pays us little attention. Policies favor either the very poor or the very rich. Social benefits like subsidies or pensions are shrinking. Merit-based systems, once a source of pride, are losing ground to reservations and favoritism. Education, the anchor of the middle class, is crumbling. Many schools and colleges churn out graduates with degrees but no skills. The quality of teaching is often poor, and students are left unprepared for the real world. This makes it harder for the middle class to climb the ladder or even stay where they are.

The Cost of Living Crisis

Life in Indian cities is tough. High taxes take a big bite out of our income. Infrastructure—roads, public transport, water supply—is often unreliable. A daily commute in a medium-sized city like Hyderabad or Chennai can take hours, leaving people exhausted. Quality time with family? That’s a rare treat. Living in high-rise apartments with hundreds of flats is common, but neighbors barely know each other. This isolation, combined with financial stress, (Due to nudge of impulse buying through websites, Smartphone pay app) is harming our mental and physical health. Anxiety, stress, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are on the rise among the middle class.

The Few Who Escape

Yes, some—about 2%—manage to leave India for better opportunities abroad. They chase a higher quality of life in countries with better infrastructure, healthcare, and work-life balance. But they are the exception, not the rule. Most middle-class families can’t afford to move or don’t have the skills to compete in global job markets. For the rest of us, staying in India means fighting a daily battle to survive.

Additional Challenges: A Broken Social Fabric

Beyond these issues, the middle class is losing its sense of community. Festivals, once a time for bonding, are now often reduced to social media posts. Neighbors in urban apartments live like strangers. The rise of social media and digital distractions means we’re more connected online but lonelier in real life. Add to this the pressure to “keep up” with wealthier peers—buying bigger cars or fancier gadgets—which pushes families into debt. The middle class is caught in a cycle of earning, spending, and worrying, with little room for joy or growth.

Possible Solutions: A Ray of Hope?

Can things get better? I’m not sure, but here are some ideas that could help:

1. Affordable Living: The government could cap prices for essentials like education, healthcare, and housing. Subsidies for the middle class, like tax breaks or low-cost loans, could ease the burden.

2. Better Education: Invest in quality schools and colleges that teach practical skills. Vocational training could help young people find jobs faster.

3. Strengthen Community: Local governments could create community centers or events to bring neighbors together, rebuilding the social fabric.

4. Improve Infrastructure: Better roads, public transport, and utilities would save time and money, giving families more breathing space.

5. Mental Health Support: Affordable counseling and wellness programs could help address the growing stress and isolation.

6. Remote Work Opportunities: Encouraging remote jobs could let people stay closer to family, reducing the need for costly nuclear setups.

Am I Optimistic?

Honestly, I’m not. The challenges are deep-rooted, and change feels far away. But I hold onto a small hope that if enough of us speak up, the middle class might get the attention it deserves. We’re not asking for handouts—just a fair chance to live with dignity, to enjoy the fruits of our hard work, and to dream of a better future for our kids.

The Indian middle class isn’t just disappearing; it’s being crushed under the weight of a changing world. If we don’t act soon, the backbone of our nation might break for good. Let’s talk about it, share our stories, and push for change. Maybe then, we’ll find a way to thrive again.

Karthik

22/10/25 8am.