The Department of Economics & Statistics, Government of Kerala, has published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Industrial Workers for the month of April 2025. The indices are crucial indicators used in determining minimum wage revisions and reflect cost-of-living trends across the state’s districts.
The updated indices were prepared in accordance with Government Orders and are based on the new CPI series with base year 2011–12 = 100. The older series, for reference, retains the 1998–99 = 100 base.
Highlights of April 2025 CPI Data
Kasargod recorded the highest index at 225, a jump from 222 in March 2025, indicating a notable increase in consumer prices in the district.
Mundakayam and Pathanamthitta also showed significant upward movement in their indices.
Palakkad remained unchanged at 198, the only district without a change in CPI between March and April 2025.
| District | March 2025 | April 2025 | Old Base Equivalent (1998–99) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiruvananthapuram | 211 | 211 | 445 |
| Kasargod | 222 | 225 | 455 → 461 |
| Malappuram | 206 | 210 | 412 → 420 |
| Kozhikode | 215 | 217 | 434 → 438 |
| Wayanad | 206 | 208 | 398 → 401 |
The index numbers are critical for determining cost-of-living adjustments under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and are applicable to all employees under its purview.
The Department reiterated that the linking factors approved under Government Order remain applicable for converting new base indices to the old base for continuity and comparison purposes.
