A LinkedIn post by Bengaluru-based CEO Ashish Singhal has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion about the silent yet mounting economic pressure on India’s middle class. In his post, Singhal termed the middle-class salary structure “the biggest scam no one talks about,” emphasizing that while costs of living have surged dramatically over the past decade, income growth has lagged far behind.
Citing data, Singhal revealed that individuals earning less than ₹5 lakh annually saw a compound annual salary growth of just 4%, while those in the ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore bracket experienced an even lower 0.4% CAGR. In contrast, food prices have increased by nearly 80%, resulting in significantly diminished purchasing power. Despite these conditions, lifestyle spending has continued, sustained largely through credit.
He described this economic paradox as a “well-dressed decline,” where people continue to buy smartphones, fly occasionally, and pay EMIs often at the expense of savings or healthcare. “The rich are scaling,” Singhal wrote. “India’s middle class is just expected to absorb the shock, in silence.” No complaints. No bailouts. Just inflation, EMIs, and quiet pressure.”
Public Reaction Highlights Mixed Emotions and Class Tensions
Singhal’s post struck a chord with many across India’s professional and entrepreneurial circles, triggering a wave of responses marked by agreement, introspection, and criticism. Several founders and professionals validated Singhal’s perspective, noting that the middle class is increasingly caught between stagnant wages and rising costs. One founder acknowledged that this trend is becoming evident across various economic indicators and personal observations.
However, some commentators also pointed out that India’s Middle Class bears partial responsibility for its own predicament. A popular response suggested that their conformity to traditional job roles and blind faith in systemic progression through home loans, long working hours, and EMI-driven lives has contributed to their financial immobility. “Being excessively conforming and hard-working has led to being stuck between the devil and the deep sea,” the commentator wrote.
Yet, Singhal’s critique wasn’t without challenge. Another CEO responded by questioning whether Singhal himself had ensured equitable salary hikes for his employees in comparison to his own. This remark underscored a perceived disconnect between the concerns of top executives and the realities of their workforce, exposing potential contradictions within corporate leadership.
Growing Cynicism as Hope for Change Wanes
Beyond validation and critique, a third wave of reactions reflected growing cynicism and resignation among Indian professionals. One user commented bluntly that “crying on any platform won’t make a difference,” expressing deep disillusionment with India’s economic and governance systems. Highlighting a sense of stagnation, the commenter noted that despite high taxes, India’s Middle Class often sees little in return, and that many are now choosing to emigrate in search of better opportunities.
“There’s nothing left here. Whoever can, leaves the country,” they stated, echoing a sentiment increasingly heard among India’s working professionals. While acknowledging that salary alone cannot create wealth anywhere in the world, the user emphasized a systemic failure to support the very segment that fuels the country’s economic engine.
As India’s middle class continues to grapple with this “silent crisis,” Singhal’s post has triggered an important, if uncomfortable, national conversation, one that may require more than just digital dialogue to resolve.
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