The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a crucial indicator reflecting the cost of living for different categories of workers, namely agricultural laborers and industrial workers, in various regions of Kerala. The CPI data for May 2024, based on a comparison with the base years of 2011–12 and 1998–99, highlights the changes in living expenses over time. This notification was published on July 20, 2024.
In Kerala, the Department of Economics and Statistics regularly publishes CPI figures, which are pivotal for assessing inflationary trends and adjusting wage policies under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. These indices factor in diverse cost components such as food, housing, and other essentials, impacting the financial well-being of workers in different sectors.
The linking factors applied in April 2015 ensure continuity and reliability in CPI calculations across regions like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and others, reflecting both rural and urban economic dynamics. Such data not only aids policymakers in formulating equitable wage structures but also provides essential insights into economic conditions affecting laborers statewide.
By maintaining accurate CPI records, Kerala’s government upholds transparency in economic governance, supporting informed decision-making for sustainable development and social welfare initiatives.
