Man Claims Rs 25 Lakh Yearly Income “Not Enough,” Sparks Heated Online Debate
Man Claims Rs 25 Lakh Yearly Income "Not Enough," Sparks Heated Online Debate
Investor’s claim that Rs 25 lakh annual income is insufficient sparks online debate on financial priorities and urban living costs.
In a viral social media post, Sourav Dutta, an investor with an annual income of Rs 25 lakh, recently claimed that managing a family household on this income is challenging, sparking a heated debate about financial sustainability in India.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dutta shared his monthly budget breakdown, arguing that living comfortably on his salary while meeting savings goals is nearly impossible. His perspective ignited mixed reactions, with some users supporting his view and others suggesting that his financial struggles stem from lifestyle choices rather than essential expenses.
According to Dutta’s calculations, a Rs 25 lakh salary, translating to a take-home of around Rs 1.5 lakh per month, barely covers his family’s basic needs. He itemized his monthly spending, estimating Rs 1 lakh for essential expenses, with an additional Rs 25,000 allocated for dining, travel and entertainment, and Rs 25,000 set aside for medical emergencies. These discretionary expenses, he argued, leave little for future savings.
Responses to his post varied widely. Some social media users empathized, pointing out the high cost of living in urban areas and the challenges of financial management for families with children, EMIs, and medical expenses. One user commented, “Living in big cities with rent and children’s schooling is challenging. Even with a good salary, it’s tough to save.”
Others criticized Dutta’s budgeting approach, questioning the necessity of such a substantial entertainment allowance. “With a more disciplined budget, a family can not only live comfortably but even build wealth on this income,” another user remarked. Many argued that a monthly entertainment expense of Rs 25,000 may reflect luxury rather than necessity and that reducing such discretionary spending could free up more funds for savings and investments.
Dutta’s income significantly exceeds the national average salary, which Glassdoor estimates at around Rs 9.45 lakh annually. This figure varies widely depending on location; for example, monthly incomes in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat average around Rs 20,730 and Rs 18,880, respectively. In contrast, a 2023 Forbes survey revealed that male employees in India earn an average of Rs 19.53 lakh, while female employees earn Rs 15.16 lakh, underscoring Dutta’s income as comparatively high.
Despite his relatively substantial income, the debate illustrates the financial pressures experienced by urban families, particularly in high-cost cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. These pressures can include fixed costs such as rent, children’s education, medical expenses and transportation, each of which can impact a family’s ability to save and invest.
According to the Income Tax Department, only a small segment of Indian taxpayers — approximately 1.4 crore individuals — report annual incomes between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, positioning Dutta’s income above the median. Families earning over Rs 27,000 per year are classified above the poverty line in India, though this figure varies by state, suggesting that a salary of Rs 25 lakh is substantial for most Indians.
Sourav Dutta’s post sheds light on the complexities of financial management in India, where the adequacy of income depends on individual spending priorities, location, and lifestyle choices. While some social media users supported his claims, others argued that effective budgeting could make this income sufficient for both comfort and savings. The viral debate underscores the broad spectrum of income perceptions in the country, as well as the impact of urban living costs on financial stability.
