ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to show the economic and living conditions of people measured through the amenities and assets in rural and urban areas at the state level and among social groups like SCs and STs. It also examines changes experienced during the phase of accelerated economic growth in the decade during 2001 to 2011. The chapter highlights the utility of census data which are free from sampling errors in ascertaining trends and gaps in the outcome of economic and living conditions of Indian households. There has been considerable progress in the wellbeing of people, including SCs and STs, during the decade, but the gaps between SCs and STs and the rest of the population have widened. At the state level, central and eastern India show lower access to amenities and assets compared to the rest of India
