An estimate of the basic minimum expenses for a middle class family of four with a household income of between Rs35,000 – Rs40,000                                           

Utilities: Rs5000-Rs6000

School fees for two children in a small private school: Rs5000- Rs6000 (Uniform, books and other expenses extra)

Ration: Rs10,000 (Dry goods only, does not include meat, vegetables or milk)

Meat (beef only), vegetables, milk and fruit: Between Rs5000 to Rs10,000 depending on usage

Cellphone: Rs1000 (two phones per family)

Transport: Rs3000-4000 (bus and public transport)

There are almost no funds left over for miscellaneous or emergency expenses unless massive economy is practiced even in essential areas such as nutritious food. Cutting down in these areas provides some funds which are salted away in committees and forced saving schemes to provide for medical or other unexpected expenses.

New clothes, shoes and other basic extras are bought very seldom, usually when there is extra money in the hand, such as an Eid bonus.