A ₹500 water tanker in Bengaluru now costs ₹800 — a 60% surge in just one year. For Akshat Shrivastava, finfluencer and founder of Wisdom Hatch, that single example explains why many Indians feel financially strained despite rising GDP figures and salary hikes.
“The cost of essentials has skyrocketed,” Shrivastava writes. “Medical inflation is at 14%, children’s education fees are rising by 15–20%, and even mobile bills could see a 20% hike this year.” While inflation is officially projected at 3.6% and average salary hikes hover around 9.2–9.5% in 2025, the ground reality for middle-class households paints a different picture.
Shrivastava argues that the issue goes beyond economics—into governance. “We’re paying massive taxes and still buying basic necessities like water,” he says, questioning why citizens must pay extra for services that should be public entitlements. “Corruption is the root cause. Your taxes aren’t funding better access—they’re being siphoned off.”
He also takes aim at India’s oft-quoted goal of becoming a $10 trillion economy: “It’s meaningless if people can’t afford healthcare, education, or utilities.”
Experts support his concern, pointing out that real wage growth for most is minimal, and even top performers barely outpace inflation. The outcome? Shrinking disposable incomes, with essential costs swallowing up earnings.
“Unless services become more affordable, your salary will always lag behind your needs,” he concludes.
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