Caught in the Middle: How India’s Middle-Class is Trapped Between Welfare and Wealth

Pune-based startup founder Saurabh Mangrulkar has raised concerns about the increasing hardships faced by India’s middle class. According to him, “being middle class in India is harder than being poor.” His recent LinkedIn post, which has caught attention, outlines the unique challenges of middle-class families who find themselves trapped in a financial struggle with no support.

Exclusion from Public Welfare and Private Systems

Saurabh Mngrulkar points out that the root of the problem lies in an income cutoff that excludes millions of families from both government support and private systems. “If you earn more than ₹2.5 lakh a year — that’s just ₹20,000 a month — you don’t get anything,” he writes. This income level is not enough to secure essential services such as healthcare, education, or housing in urban areas.

The middle class is caught in a difficult zone. While they earn too much to qualify for public welfare, they are not wealthy enough to afford private services. Saurabh Mangrulkar notes that these families cannot afford quality healthcare, as they can’t access private hospitals but find government-run ones inadequate. Similarly, education becomes a struggle as private schools are too expensive, and government schools do not meet their needs.

The Burden of Financial Struggles

Middle-class families are expected to make ends meet without any government aid. “No health benefits. No educational benefits. No subsidies of any kind,” Saurabh Mangrulkar emphasizes. The result is an ongoing financial struggle, with many relying on loans and EMIs to cover basic needs like children’s education or a home.

Saurabh Mangrulkar explains that these families often spend 10-15 years saving for major life goals, such as their children’s education or buying a house. Unfortunately, they are stuck in a cycle of debt and deferred dreams, with little room for error. The absence of support systems leaves them vulnerable in times of crisis. “If they lose their job, no one helps. If they fall sick, no one helps,” he adds.

A Call for Change

Saurabh Mangrulkar’s candid comments have sparked a wider discussion on social media, with many individuals sharing their own struggles and frustrations. His post shines a light on the invisible burden borne by India’s middle class, urging a rethink of policies to address their unique challenges. For many, this financial limbo feels like an endless cycle with no way out.