Inequality Dynamics in Urban Manipur, India: A Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

The high pace of urbanization in Manipur being confined to the valley regions has attracted much attention to researchers to explore the intra-state dynamics of urban inequality in the state. This study examines the role of spatial factors in determining consumption inequality in the state, especially in urban areas considering the unit-level National Sample Survey data from different rounds. Also, the Regression-Based Inequality Decomposition is estimated to understand the role played by relevant household characteristics in explaining the inequality patterns in urban Manipur. The study observes an increasing trend of Gini coefficient for the overall state despite its slow per-capita growth. While Gini measures of consumption have an overall increasing trend in the economy between 1993 and 2011, and inequality level in rural areas is greater than in urban areas in 2011–2012. This is in contrast to the overall Indian phenomenon. Also, the state per capita income is 43% lower than the all-India average in 2019–2020 at 2011–2012 prices. Within-component (both within-district and within-sector) is the major contributor to overall consumption inequality. The decomposition-based regression analysis shows that most of the estimated regression coefficients are statistically significant. Factors like age, possession of land, and regular salary earner in a household contribute to enhancing the level of total inequality of the average MPCE. This paper suggests that in order to avoid the negative consequences of rising consumption inequality in Manipur, a justiciable land redistribution policy, improving the level of education, and creating employment opportunities are necessary.

ML‐Based Hybrid SAR and Optical Image LULC Mapping and Change Analysis With Variations in the Air Quality of the Imphal Valley, North‐East India

“…Imphal Valley is characterized as an intermontane valley and the only region in Manipur that caters to most of the state's agricultural, economic, and other administrative needs. Between 2001 and 2021, the population of Manipur surged by more than 33% (Home|Government of India, 2024), along with the rapid urbanization of more than 35% (De & Devi, 2023). Such a significant increase in the human population within the valley exerts immense pressure on the natural resources, such as forests, lakes, etc.…”