Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is organizing a "Brainstorming session on the treatment of PDS items in HCES and CPI compilation". The event will take place on November 20, 2024, at Sovereign 2 hall, Le Méridien, Janpath, New Delhi.

The key objective of this brainstorming is to explore potential enhancements in CPI Compilation Methodologies by Re-evaluating current methodologies to ensure robustness and resilience of the new CPI series. The issue of treatment of free items distributed through Public Distribution System in compilation of the revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) series will be deliberated in detail during this session.

The session will be attended by eminent economists, academicians, subject matter experts and senior officers from Centre and State governments. This diverse group of participants is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to the conversation, strengthening the foundation for a robust CPI base revision framework.

MoSPI recognizes the importance of such consultations with stakeholders and experts to ensure that the CPI remains a robust and reliable indicator of inflation for policymakers and the general public alike.

Treatment of PDS items in CPI compilation to be re-evaluated to strengthen CPI methodology and robustness. Re-evaluation of the treatment of free items distributed through the Public Distribution System in CPI compilation is being pursued to enhance revised CPI methodologies. A brainstorming session will convene economists, academicians, subject-matter experts and senior central and state government officers to examine how PDS items should be recorded within the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey and CPI framework, with the objective of ensuring the new CPI series is methodologically robust and resilient.