<h1>Economic Survey 2024-25: Welfare Schemes Boost Income, Narrow Urban-Rural Gap, Reduce Inequality; Social Services Spending Rises.</h1> The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the positive impact of government welfare schemes on consumption and income generation in low-income households, reducing inequality and improving living standards. Government social services expenditure increased from 23.3% in FY21 to 26.2% in FY25, with significant growth in education and health sectors. The urban-rural consumption gap has narrowed, with the Gini coefficient showing reduced inequality. Welfare schemes like the PM Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have provided substantial benefits to lower-income groups, with food subsidies being a significant fiscal outlay. The survey notes a progressive distribution of benefits, particularly among the rural and urban poor.