Kohima: Nagaland has recorded a high level of income inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.46, according to the 'Report on Income Disparity in Nagaland' recently released by Sentiyanger Imchen at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima.
The report released on March 9 highlighted stark disparities in income distribution across districts. The report was released in the presence of Akunu S Meyase, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Neidilhou Keditsu, and other senior officials of the Department of Economics and Statistics.
As per a government update, the report is the outcome of a project undertaken under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's (MoSPI) Support for Statistical Strengthening Sub-scheme in collaboration with University of Hyderabad.
According to the findings, Nagaland recorded a Gini coefficient of 0.46, indicating high income inequality in the state. Rural Nagaland registered a Gini coefficient of 0.42, while urban Nagaland recorded 0.44, suggesting only a marginally higher level of income inequality in urban areas.
The survey was conducted between October and December 2024, covering 4,396 households across the state. Of these, 1,315 households from 60 wards were surveyed in urban areas, while 3,080 households from 140 villages were surveyed in rural areas.
The report stated that the bottom 50 per cent of households receive only 18 per cent of the state's total income, while the top 5 per cent account for around 21 per cent of the gross income.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter - stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure - just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
In terms of average monthly income, the top 5 per cent earn a mean monthly income of Rs 71,028, whereas the bottom 50 per cent earn an average of only Rs 1,639.
Among districts, Longleng recorded the highest income inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.492, while Phek recorded the lowest at 0.366.
In rural areas, Longleng registered the highest inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.456, while Zunheboto recorded the lowest at 0.330.
In urban areas too, Longleng recorded the highest income disparity with a Gini coefficient of 0.509, whereas Zunheboto registered the lowest at 0.359.
| Nagaland: BJP's Daochier Imchen sworn in after Koridang by-poll win