Rising Cost of Living in India: IIT Graduate Raises Alarm Over Financial Strain in Bengaluru and Beyond
Rising Cost of Living in India: IIT Graduate Sounds Alarm
Bengaluru – In a poignant social media post, Monali Dambre, an IIT Bombay graduate and a member of the founding team at Agno, has raised concerns about the escalating cost of living in India, emphasizing that even smaller cities are not immune to this trend. Her remarks have ignited a spirited discussion on the platform X, where she expressed her worries about the financial strain on middle and lower-income families.
Monali, who resides in Bengaluru—a city known for its booming tech industry—shared her personal experiences with rising grocery bills. “I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that the cost of living in India is getting really expensive—even in smaller, tier-3 cities,” she wrote. Her frustration is palpable as she notes that even basic staples, such as fruits and vegetables, have become increasingly unaffordable.
“Even in Bangalore, my grocery bills (which include only absolute staples—nothing fancy or luxurious) are starting to feel unusually high,” she lamented. This sentiment resonates with many, as inflation continues to impact everyday expenses across the country.
Monali’s post has sparked a lively debate among users, with some suggesting that she should shop in person rather than relying on quick commerce apps. However, others countered that in-person shopping often yields similar, if not higher, prices. “Initially, we used to go to a local market to shop, but it’s the same price as Qcomm, and inconvenient,” she agreed, highlighting the challenges faced by consumers.
The conversation has also touched on broader economic issues. One user, Harsh, pointed out the collapsing value of the rupee compared to gold, suggesting that the rising costs of essential goods are a reflection of deeper economic troubles. “Anything that takes real energy to produce and distribute is increasing in cost,” he noted, attributing this to high tax burdens and speculative real estate.
Another user echoed Monali’s concerns, stating, “Yes, the inflation on food and groceries is way too high. In general, the cost of living has increased far above the usual 5-6% annual limit.”
As the cost of living continues to rise, the implications for the middle and lower classes are becoming increasingly dire. Monali’s candid reflections serve as a wake-up call, urging society to confront the economic realities that threaten the livelihoods of many. The discussion she has sparked may be just the beginning of a larger conversation about affordability and sustainability in India’s rapidly changing economic landscape.
