The paper, using data released by the Planning Commission, presents a profile of levels of living, poverty and inequality for all the 26 districts of the state.

The data reveals that the average MPCE (Monthly Per-Capita Consumption Expenditure — the aggregate consumer expenditure of the relevant population divided by the corresponding population)— for the best district is almost thrice that of the worst, in Gujarat.

This gap increases to almost four times in terms of urban population.

For example, in rural Gujarat, the highest MPCE is of Gandhinagar at Rs 1,012 and the lowest is of Dangs at Rs 349. The state average MPCE stands at Rs 596. For urban Gujarat, the highest MPCE is of Gandhinagar at Rs 2,422, while the lowest is for Kheda at Rs 604. The state average is Rs 1,115.