Change in Household Environment Condition in India: Evidence From Panel Data

Abstract

We examine the transition in household environment condition (HEC) in India during 2004–2012 by using panel data of the India Human Development Survey. In particular, this study documents the movement of households into and out of poor HEC. We found that a higher proportion of socially deprived classes, namely, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Castes, were continued to be in or fall into poor HEC than the General Castes. The movement out of poor HEC (to middle and better-off HEC) was least observed among the underprivileged Castes than the General Castes. Similarly, households in economically poor condition and those with illiterate and primary occupation household heads were entering into or remaining more in poor HEC than their counterparts. By regions, Central and Eastern regions were either continued to be more in poor HEC or experienced the least upward movement from poor HEC to the middle and better-off condition than other regions. Findings based on multivariate logistic regression models have reinforced the results from the bivariate analyses. From a policy perspective, the findings advance that socially disadvantaged population needs greater emphasis on ongoing programs to improve household living and environmental conditions in India.