Abstract
Given the limitations using per capita income in evaluating social well being, this study measures standard of living by real per capita consumption and re-examines whether the standards of living across Indian States are converging or not. b -convergence is found for rural sectors of the states during the pre-liberalisation era. Similar result is obtained by combining the rural and urban areas of the states. In contrast, reform period shows opposite results. Furthermore, s -convergence shows that consumption inequality has increased over time.