Missing numbers – on statistical system

Source– The post is based on the article “Missing numbers” published in “The Hindu” on 20th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions

Relevance: issues related to government statistical system

News- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has formed a new Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS). It will advise on official data, including the household surveys carried out by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

It has a broader mandate to help design surveys for all types of data, identify data gaps that must be plugged, and conduct pilot surveys for new data sets.

Why is there a need for timely conduct of Household Consumer Expenditure Survey?

The Household Consumer Expenditure Survey is crucial not only for monitoring changes in people’s living standards but also for recalibrating essential economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index and the Gross Domestic Product.

The latest survey was carried out during 2017-18. But, the government withheld the findings in November 2019, citing concerns about data quality.

What is the way forward to improve the statistical system?

The responsibility for releasing data should rest with the National Statistical Commission. Undermining one’s own systems might achieve temporary goals. But, it ultimately undermines the ability to demonstrate effective governance outcomes.

The Standing Committee on Statistics can play a proactive role in rebuilding trust between India’s respected statistical system and data users. This trust deficit has resulted in an absence of official data.