Indians: One-third Suffering, More than Half Struggling

The economy has slowed down in recent months, largely due to government inaction and high interest rates, prompting many firms to postpone projects or relocate to other markets to pursue higher growth ambitions. Consequently, job creation has also suffered and the pace of income growth has moderated.

The level of suffering has increased in every income group over time. In the middle income group of 20 percent population, the proportion rose from 15 percent in 2011 to 32 percent now. In case of the richest 40 percent the numbers went up from 10 percent a year ago to 22 percent this year, while the smallest jump was in the poorest 40 percent surveyed, where the increase was from 34 percentage points to 38 percent this year.

Jim Clifton, Gallup chairman and CEO said "The key factors affecting Indian citizens' wellbeing are income, education, and employment, all linked and influenced by the workplace," as reported by TOI.

Another interesting finding was that 36 percent of the rural population said that they were suffering compared to 21 percent in urban areas. On a scale of 1 to 5 India was rated 3.9, 4, 2.4, 4 and 3.3 on career, social, financial, physical and community well being.