Transparency and Timeliness: Urgent Concerns Regarding AICPIN Data Publication(2016=100)
February 11, 2025
All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPIN) data is an important economic measure that affects the cost of living adjustments for millions of industrial workers, bank employees/ pensioners , and others whose salaries depend on CPI changes. For many years, this data was published on a regular schedule. However, since the Ministry of Labour introduced the new 2016=100 index, there have been significant unexplained delays in releasing this data.
A Pattern of Delay
Regrettably, the delays are not isolated incidents. Over the past ten months, the Ministry has consistently neglected its own deadlines. Our organization, AIRBIOPF, along with many others, has repeatedly voiced these concerns to the Ministry, but to no avail.
The December 2024 Data: A Case in Point
The AICPIN data for December 2024 is a glaring example of this unacceptable trend. As of February 10, 2025, this data remains unpublished, well beyond its due date of January 31, 2025. Such delays not only inconvenience those whose livelihoods depend on this data but also raise questions about transparency and accountability.
The Impact
The consequences of these delays are far-reaching. Workers are left uncertain about future wage adjustments, hindering their ability to plan their finances. Moreover, the lack of timely data makes it difficult for unions and employers to engage in informed negotiations.
A Call for Action
As India works towards digitization and technological progress, the ongoing failures in data sharing are particularly frustrating. These setbacks not only slow down development but also damage public trust in the systems intended to promote transparency and accessibility. We have urged the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Labour Minister by our letters dated February 10, 2025 to intervene to remedy this situation.
The timely publication of AICPIN data is not merely a technical matter; it is a matter of fairness, transparency, and respect for the millions of workers whose wages and pensions rely on this information. Nevertheless, delay in publication of data undermines the credibility of India's statistical reporting system
We request that the Ministry:
Adhere to the established publication calendar for AICPIN data.
Explain in clear terms and promptly communicate about any unavoidable delays, along with estimated release dates.
Acknowledge and address the concerns raised by stakeholders about the repeated delays in data publication.
The continued credibility of India's statistical reporting system depends on the timely and accurate dissemination of vital economic data. We trust that authorities concerned will take swift action to address this pressing issue.
-All India RBI Oers Pensioners Forum
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