<h1>Congress Urges Policy Shift to Boost Rural Incomes, Highlights Rising Inequality and Low Consumption in India</h1> The Congress criticized the government for low consumption expenditure and rising inequality, urging a shift in policy focus from cronyism to empowering rural incomes. Citing the Indus Valley Annual Report 2025, they highlighted India's low per capita consumption compared to China and the limited purchasing capacity of most households. Only 30 million households, or 10% of the population, can afford goods at scale, while 205 million households lack discretionary spending power. The Congress called for increased MGNREGA wages to combat inflation and address household indebtedness, emphasizing the need for policies that empower citizens economically.