Question : INDEX FOR MEASURING RETAIL INFLATION

(a) whether the Government proposes to have an updated index for measuring retail inflation that would have a lower weightage on food items, making more space for other items such as pan, tobacco intoxicants, etc.;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether prices of Antyodaya Anna Yojana have also been included in addition to Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line prices being taken in the existing series;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the time by which the new index for retail inflation is likely to be unveiled; and

(f) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): The base year of Consumer Price Index Numbers are revised from time to time and all the relevant factors are taken into consideration for determining the basket of commodities and their prices.

(c) & (d): No, Madam.

(e) & (f): The technical aspects of the new series have since been approved by the competent authority and the users conference have been held.