On March 24th, 2025, the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) released the All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) for the month of February 2025. This data sheds light on the cost of living for laborers in rural India, offering valuable insights into inflation and living conditions.
Key Changes in CPI-AL and CPI-RL for February 2025:
- CPI-AL (Agricultural Labourers): The index decreased by 7 points, from 1316 in January 2025 to 1309 in February 2025.
- Year-on-Year Inflation (Feb 2025): 4.05%, down from 7.43% in February 2024.
- CPI-RL (Rural Labourers): The index also decreased by 7 points, from 1328 in January 2025 to 1321 in February 2025.
- Year-on-Year Inflation (Feb 2025): 4.10%, compared to 7.36% in February 2024.
This indicates a decrease in inflation for both agricultural and rural laborers compared to the same period last year, suggesting a modest easing in the cost of living.
Detailed Group-wise Index Breakdown:
| Group | CPI for Agricultural Labourers (Feb 2025) | CPI for Agricultural Labourers (Jan 2025) | CPI for Rural Labourers (Feb 2025) | CPI for Rural Labourers (Jan 2025) |
| General Index | 1309 | 1316 | 1321 | 1328 |
| Food | 1242 | 1255 | 1249 | 1261 |
| Pan, Supari, etc. | 2118 | 2103 | 2125 | 2111 |
| Fuel & Light | 1391 | 1390 | 1380 | 1380 |
| Clothing, Bedding & Footwear | 1336 | 1332 | 1402 | 1396 |
| Miscellaneous | 1390 | 1385 | 1389 | 1385 |
Inflation Trends for February 2025:
The inflation rates for both CPI-AL and CPI-RL have decreased compared to the previous year, signaling a reduction in the pace at which prices are rising for agricultural and rural laborers.
- CPI-AL (Agricultural Labourers):
- February 2025: 4.05%
- February 2024: 7.43%
- January 2025: 4.61%
- CPI-RL (Rural Labourers):
- February 2025: 4.10%
- February 2024: 7.36%
- January 2025: 4.73%
This reduction in inflation rates indicates that the government’s efforts to control rising costs in rural areas are beginning to show results, providing some relief to the workers in these sectors.
Notable Observations:
- Food Prices: The food index has seen a slight decrease for both agricultural and rural laborers, suggesting minor relief in food-related expenses.
- Fuel & Light: The index remained relatively stable at 1391 for agricultural laborers and 1380 for rural laborers, indicating little to no change in the costs associated with fuel and lighting.
- Clothing & Footwear: The index for clothing, bedding, and footwear showed a marginal rise, particularly for rural laborers, with an increase of 6 points, while for agricultural laborers, it saw a smaller increase of 4 points.
Conclusion:
The All-India Consumer Price Index numbers for February 2025 indicate a modest easing of inflation for agricultural and rural laborers. While food and essential prices remain elevated, the reduction in the inflation rate reflects the government’s successful interventions. This data is crucial for policymakers to assess the economic condition of rural workers and guide future decisions aimed at improving their quality of life.
