Delayed release of CPI_IW data causes delay in release of DA/DR to Central Government Employee and Pensioners

The delayed release of the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) for December 2024 has sparked widespread concern among government employees and pensioners. This critical data, which determines Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), was scheduled for release on January 31, 2025, as per the Labour Bureau's advance release calendar ¹. However, the unexplained delay has left millions uncertain about their financial planning and livelihoods.

The CPI-IW is a crucial inflation indicator that directly impacts wage and pension adjustments. For pensioners and salaried individuals, especially those with fixed incomes, timely DA/DR revisions are vital to cope with rising prices. The Bharat Pensioner Samaj has taken up the issue, demanding immediate release of the December 2024 CPI-IW data and preventive measures to avoid future delays ². They are also seeking an official explanation for the delay and assurance of timely data release going forward.

The continued silence on this matter has heightened anxieties, emphasizing the need for swift action from the concerned authorities.