Detailed Report of Nepal Living Standards Survey IV 2079-80

The National Statistics Office has published the detailed report of the fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) for the year 2079-80. This survey aims to measure the living standards of the population and understand the state of poverty in the country. The report presents an analysis of various health, economic, and social indicators.

Health Status:

The survey indicates an increase in non-communicable diseases. The incidence has risen from 11.7% in the third survey to 18.5% currently. The major non-communicable diseases are:

- Hypertension: 19.8%

- Gastrointestinal diseases: 14.7%

- Diabetes: 9.3%

- Respiratory diseases: 8.6%

Communicable diseases have also shown an increase, from 20% in the previous survey to 24.9% currently.

Employment:

In terms of employment status:

- 6.4% of people are on contract.

- 28.7% are in long-term jobs with monthly salaries.

- 64.9% are in jobs with daily wage payments.

Economic Status:

The average cost to meet basic needs is 72,908 NPR annually. Out of this, 35,029 NPR is spent on food and 37,879 NPR on non-food items.

Education:

- 90.8% of the population is within half an hour's reach of a primary school.

- 72.7% have access to market centers within the same timeframe.

- 83.3% have access to cooperative institutions.

- 74.2% have access to banks.

Annual per capita spending on education is 29,742 NPR. Those below the poverty line spend an average of 6,145 NPR, while those above the poverty line spend an average of 35,682 NPR.

Poverty:

The survey shows that 20.27% of Nepal's total population still lives below the poverty line, compared to 25.16% in the third survey. The poverty rates by province are:

- Sudurpashchim: 34.16%

- Karnali: 26.69%

- Lumbini: 24.35%

- Gandaki: 11.88%

- Bagmati: 12.59%

- Madhesh: 22.53%

- Koshi: 17.19%

Other Survey Topics:

The survey covers consumption, access to services, housing and residential facilities, education, health, employment, income, savings and loans, remittances, land ownership, and usage, among other topics.

Conclusion:

The NLSS IV provides a comprehensive picture of poverty and living standards in Nepal. The increase in non-communicable diseases, various employment forms, and the state of poverty highlight significant challenges for the country's overall development. This report will assist policymakers in formulating future strategies.