All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers For Agricultural And Rural Labourers – January, 2025

The Labour Bureau has released the All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Agricultural and Rural Labourers for January 2025, showing a decline in inflation rates. This is significant for the UPSC as it pertains to economic indicators relevant to GS Paper 3. Last Updated: 2025-03-01

Key Facts About All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers

• Inflation Rates: CPI-AL at 4.61%, CPI-RL at 4.73%.
• CPI-AL Description: Measures cost of living changes for agricultural laborers.
• CPI-RL Description: Measures cost of living changes for rural laborers.
• Base Year: Both indices use 1986-87 as the base year.
• January 2025 CPI-AL decreased by 4 points to 1316 points.
• January 2025 CPI-RL decreased by 3 points to 1328 points.
• Year-on-Year Comparison: CPI-AL at 4.61% in January 2025.
• January 2024 CPI-AL was 7.52%, CPI-RL was 7.37%.
• December 2024 CPI-AL was 5.01%, CPI-RL was 5.05%.
• Group-wise Consumer Price Index:
• January 2025 CPI-AL: 1316, CPI-RL: 1328.
• Food Index: CPI-AL 1262, CPI-RL 1261.
• Pan, Supari, etc.: CPI-AL 2093, CPI-RL 2111.
• Fuel & Light: CPI-AL 1382, CPI-RL 1380.
• Clothing, Bedding & Footwear: CPI-AL 1329, CPI-RL 1396.
• Miscellaneous: CPI-AL 1376, CPI-RL 1385.
• Importance: Reflects economic indicators affecting rural employment and wage adjustments.

India's Inflation Dynamics in Rural Areas

The decline in CPI for agricultural and rural laborers is a crucial indicator of reduced price pressures on essential goods in rural India. This aligns with India's broader economic goals of stabilizing inflation and ensuring equitable growth. By maintaining lower inflation rates, India can improve rural purchasing power and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA): Ensures remunerative prices for farmers.
• National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): Provides wage employment to enhance livelihood security in rural areas.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Economic Development - Inflation and its impact on the economy.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on CPI-AL and CPI-RL definitions, base year, and recent trends.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on inflation control measures and rural economic policies.
• Essay Paper: Topics on rural development and economic stability.

FAQ Section

• What is the All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers?

  The CPI-AL and CPI-RL measure the cost of living changes for agricultural and rural laborers, respectively, using 1986-87 as the base year.

• Why is the CPI important?

  The CPI reflects inflation rates, influencing wage adjustments and economic policies affecting rural employment.

• What are the key features of the January 2025 CPI?

  January 2025 saw CPI-AL at 1316 points and CPI-RL at 1328 points, with inflation rates of 4.61% and 4.73%, respectively.