CPI increases by four points

Shimla, July 20 (UNI) The All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for agricultural and rural labourers increased by four points each to stand at 399 and 400 points respectively during June as compared to May this fiscal.

Sources in the labour bureau said the rise and fall in indices varied from state to state.

The sources said indices for agricultural labourers registered an increase between one to eight points in 17 states, declining between two to five points in two states, while remaining stationary in one state.

Punjab, with 429 points, topped the index table, whereas Manipur was at the bottom with 353 points, they said.

The indices for rural labourers registered an increase between one to seven points, declined between one to three points in three states, while remaining stationary in one state.

Punjab was at the top of the index table with 430 points while Manipur was at the bottom with 354 points, the sources said.

The Haryana centre registered the highest increase of eight points for agricultural labourers and the Andhra Pradesh and Haryana centres experienced the highest increase of seven points each for rural labourers.

The rise in the prices was due to increase in the prices of rice, wheat atta, jowar, groundnut oil, onion and vegetables and fruits, the sources said.

On the other hand, the Himachal Pradesh centre registered the steepest decline of five to three points for agricultural and rural labourers respectively.

The decrease was due to the decline in the prices of wheat atta, gram dal, vegetables and fruits and sugar.

The point-to-point rate of inflation based on All India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural labourers and Rural laboureres decreased from 8.22 per cent and 7.90 per cent during May to 7.84 per cent and 7.53 per cent respectively during June, this fiscal.

The respective rates of inflation during the corresponding period last year were 7.25 per cent and 7.20 per cent, the sources added.

UNI