Bridging the Rural–Urban Divide: Analysing India’s Strides in Essential Amenities Through NFHS Data

Over the past two decades, India’s development policies have focused on addressing fundamental human needs through mission-oriented schemes, analysed in this Note using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) spanning nearly 30 years. Targeted mission-oriented schemes and public awareness campaigns have significantly improved access to basic amenities, with faster progress observed in rural areas, reducing rural–urban disparities. The NFHS-5 Survey (2019–2021) indicates the disappearance of the rural–urban gap in electricity and banking access, previously evident in NFHS-4 (2015–2016). Despite notable improvements in rural sanitation, LPG usage and pucca house construction, a substantial rural–urban disparity persists, emphasising the need for continued efforts to ensure equitable access for comprehensive and inclusive development.