Multi-dimensional deprivation in the awakening giants: A comparison of China and India on micro data

► Systematic and comprehensive analysis of living standards in India and China. ► High growth rates did not translate into sharp decline in deprivation in either country. ► While rural deprivation is much higher in India than in China, they face similar levels of urban deprivation. ► China outperforms India on child health with lower incidence of stunting and wasting. ► Strong link between deprivation in access to basic facilities and child undernourishment. ► Children of undernourished mothers are at high risk of stunting and wasting in India, less so in China.