The cost of living for farm workers and rural labourers went up drastically in several states last month, the labour ministry said today.The inflation rate for agricultural labourers (AL) and rural labourers (RL) more than doubled in September when compared with the same period last year. The inflation rate, which was 3.21% in September last year, stood at 7.34% this year for AL and 7.02% for RL as against 3.19% in September 2005.The agricultural and rural workers comprise 65% of the total unorganised work force, which is approximately 37 crore, ministry officials said.The All-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers increased by 5 points each during September 2006. While it reached 380 points for AL, it was 381 points for RL. In the case of AL, 19 states reflected an increase in indices ranging between 2-10 points. In the case of RL, 19 states reflected an increase ranging between 1-10 points. In Kerela, indices for AL and RL went down by one point each.Bihar experienced the sharpest increase of 10 points each in both classes of workers. The rise has been mainly due to the increase in the prices of rice, wheat, pulses, fresh fish, onions, mixed spices, vegetables and fruits, firewood and washing soap.Punjab with 408 points for AL and 411 points for RL figured at the top of the index table. Manipur with 335 points each for AL and RL remained at the bottom of the index.
