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Highlights
Is India Ever Going to Change for the Working Middle Class?
A Reddit post titled “Is India ever going to change? Or should I just leave already?” by user AdhesivenessBoth4928 has ignited a considerable discussion surrounding the living standards of India’s working middle class, resonating with many professionals who increasingly feel disenchanted.
The user, a 30-year-old residing in Bangalore earning around ₹60 lakh annually, depicted a grim scenario despite what might seem to be a stable lifestyle. “On paper, we’re doing fine. But the quality of life makes me question if living in India is even worth it anymore,” he expressed.
Infrastructure Issues Affecting Quality of Life
Addressing the deteriorating infrastructure, the user remarked, “I live in Horemavu (Bangalore) — it takes me 40 minutes to cover 3 kms. Every road has either bottlenecks, broken or dug up. Construction is never-ending. Projects start, but never finish. Where’s the accountability?”
He noted the irony of paying the highest road taxes in the country yet receiving “craters for roads, traffic nightmares, and constant construction” in return, terming it “pure daylight robbery.”
Tax Burden and Lack of Basic Services
The discussion of taxes and insufficient basic services highlighted another area of concern. “We pay massive taxes and get NOTHING back… no free healthcare, no decent education, not even reliable water. 30-40% tax and we still have to buy water?” he remarked, unfavourably comparing India to nations like Canada and Germany.
Social Environment Challenges
On the social atmosphere, he stated, “Dust everywhere. Noise. Stress. Road rage is normal. You can’t walk peacefully, you can’t breathe clean air. I don’t feel safe sending my wife out alone after 7 PM.”
He also accused officials of widespread corruption, stating that he had to pay a ₹2,000 bribe for a marriage certificate. “Nothing moves unless you bribe the babus,” he pointed out.
Responses from Fellow Netizens
Numerous commenters identified with the concerns raised. One user remarked, “Was in Singapore… earning way less than my peers in India. But I was happy and proud there. Lifestyle was good, human life is valued, personal space is given priority, safety is at very top notch.” He encouraged others to relocate if they could: “For this country we are labourers and thick layers to extort tax. Nothing will change.”
Another user highlighted a deeper issue, stating, “A significant number of highly skilled engineers and entrepreneurs are paying 30% or more in taxes. We risk losing these individuals to other countries that offer better opportunities, lower taxes, and greater respect for their expertise.”
Some emphasized that financial status alone cannot close the gap. “I don’t see the Ambanis or Bollywood Khans out in the street but living a life in glass palaces,” one user pointed out. He added, “To go out with your family and breathe fresh air, visit a park where it is safe for your kid to play… you gotta leave for a country which actually does something for you with your tax money.”
The original poster concluded with a conflicting feeling: “I genuinely want to contribute to this country. I want to stay and build something here. But it just feels like the system is set up to squeeze the working class.”
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