THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 28, 2026

Even as India navigates rapid economic and social change, uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on households across the country. According to Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance’s अ-Nishchit Index 2.0, the national uncertainty score stands at a high 79, underscoring persistent concerns around financial preparedness, rising healthcare expenses, mental well-being, work–life balance and long-term stability.

Bhubaneswar reflects this national mood, recording an Index score of 82 — slightly above the all-India average and broadly in line with the East Zone benchmark of 84. The data points to a city experiencing sustained financial and social anxiety at the household level, with uncertainty spread evenly across demographics rather than concentrated in specific age, gender or employment groups. This uniformity suggests that Bhubaneswar’s anxieties are driven less by individual circumstances and more by shared structural responsibilities within families.

Socio-economic analysis reveals that uncertainty is most pronounced among SEC C households, while SEC A and B residents report relatively lower, though still elevated, levels of concern. A clear link emerges between financial preparedness and peace of mind: residents with wider ownership of insurance and investment instruments show progressively lower uncertainty, with the most secure outlook seen among those holding four or more financial products.

Demographic insights further highlight the city’s distinctive pattern. Anxiety levels remain consistent across genders and generations, with little variation among Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Employment type also offers limited insulation, as business owners and salaried professionals report comparable levels of unease. Life stage, however, plays a defining role. Singles tend to feel more secure, while married individuals — especially those without children — express higher anxiety, reflecting the pressure of expanding financial obligations and future planning.

At the heart of Bhubaneswar’s uncertainty are household-centric concerns. Rising costs of elderly care emerge as the city’s foremost worry, highlighting the growing financial and emotional burden of supporting ageing parents. This is closely followed by apprehensions over frequent tax changes, inflation steadily eroding savings, increasing household debt and worsening pollution. Residents also cite concerns around long-term wealth creation, exposure to new virus outbreaks, education loan liabilities and the cascading impact of government tariffs on everyday living costs.

Together, these insights paint a picture of a city where uncertainty is shaped not by short-term shocks but by the challenge of building long-term financial resilience. As Bhubaneswar’s families balance elder care responsibilities, rising expenses and future aspirations, the findings reinforce the critical role of structured financial protection, disciplined planning and diversified portfolios in easing anxiety and strengthening confidence about the years ahead.