All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers – February, 2021

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Highlights

The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for the month of February, 2021 decreased by 1 point each to stand at 1037 (One thousand and thirty seven) and 1044 (One thousand and forty four) points respectively.

The fall in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was due to decrease in the food group index (-) 2.94 and (-) 2.54 points respectively  mainly on account of fall in the prices of wheat atta, gur, potato, cauliflower etc.

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL increased to 2.67% and 2.76% respectively in February, 2021 from 2.17% and 2.35% respectively in January, 2021.

Similarly, the inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI-RL increased to     (+) 1.55% & (+) 1.85% respectively in February, 2021 from 1.02% & 1.22% respectively in January, 2021.

Amongst states: The maximum decrease in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was experienced by West Bengal State (-20 points and -19 points respectively).   The maximum increase in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was experienced by Kerala State (+11 points each).

The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for the month of February, 2021 decreased by 1 point each to stand at 1037 (One thousand and thirty seven) and 1044 (One thousand and forty four) points respectively. The major contribution towards the fall in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food with (-) 2.94 points and (-) 2.54 points respectively  mainly due to fall in prices of wheat atta, gur, potato, cauliflower etc.

The fall/rise in index varied from State to State. In case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded a decrease of 1 to 20 points in 10 States and an increase of 1 to 11 points in 8 States whereas index of 2 States remained stationary. Tamil Nadu State with 1252 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh State with 818 points stood at the bottom.

In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded a decrease of 1 to 19 points in 10 States and an increase of 1 to 11 points in 9 States whereas index of Odisha State remained stationary. Tamil Nadu State with 1237 points topped the index table whereas Bihar State with 842 points stood at the bottom.

Amongst states, the maximum decrease in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was experienced by West Bengal State (-20 points and -19 points respectively)  mainly due to fall in the prices of  wheat atta, chillies green, vegetables and fruits and firewood etc. On the contrary, the maximum increase in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers was experienced by Kerala State (+11 points each) mainly due to rise in the prices of rice, fish fresh, onion and vegetables and fruits etc.

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL increased to 2.67% and 2.76% in February, 2021 from 2.17% and 2.35% respectively in January, 2021. Inflation based on food index of   CPI-AL and CPI-RL is at (+) 1.55% & (+) 1.85% respectively in February, 2021.

1. All-India Consumer Price Index Number (General & Group-wise)

Speaking about the latest index, Shri Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment said, “The decrease in index is mainly on account of decline in the prices of wheat atta & vegetables which will bring cheers to the millions of labourers working in rural areas by putting lesser burden on their pockets.”

Shri DPS Negi, Director General of Labour Bureau while releasing the index said, “The CPI – AL and RL for the month of February, 2021 decreased by 1 point each to stand at 1037 (One thousand and thirty seven) and 1044 (One thousand and forty four) points respectively. The decline in index has been impacted by the prices of wheat atta, gur, potato, cauliflower etc.”

The CPI – AL and RL for the month of March, 2021 will be released on 20^th April, 2021.

****

Tags: 2021All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers – February