CPI remains stationary in March

Shimla, Apr 20 (UNI) The All India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers (on base: 1986-87=100) remained stationary at 392 and 393 points respectively in March as compared to the last month, sources in the labour bureau today said.

The rise and fall in indices varied from state to state.

The sources said the indices in 11 states showed an increase between one to seven points, decreased between one to three points in eight states, while remaining stationary in one state for agricultural labourers.

Rajasthan with 423 points topped the table, while Manipur was at the bottom with 334 points, the sources said.

Punjab and Rajasthan were at the top of the table with 422 points each, while Manipur was at the bottom with 335 points.

The Asom centre experienced the highest increase of seven points each for agricultural and rural labourers due to increase in the prices of rice, fish, vegetables and fruits, pan leaf, supari and country liquor.

On the other hand, the indices in respect of Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu for agricultural labourers and Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in respect of rural labourers recorded the highest decrease of three points each due to fall in the prices of wheat atta, jawar, onion, chillies drhy, tamarind, vegetables and fruits, gur and pan leaf.

The point-to-point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL deceased from 9.80 per cent and 9.47 per cent during Feburary to 9.50 per cent and 9.17 per cent respectively during during March, the sources said.

The sources said the respective rates of inflation during the same period last were 5.29 per cent and 5.26 per cent.

UNI