Government Overhauls Statistical Advisory Bodies

Context

The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has decided to dismantle the Standing Committee of Statistics, chaired by Pronab Sen, and replace it with a new Steering Committee headed by Professor Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC).

About the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)

The 14-member SCoS was established in July 2023.
The SCoS was tasked with advising the Union government on various aspects of survey methodology, including sampling frames, design, and the finalization of survey tabulation plans.
Despite its critical role, the existence of both the SCoS and the National Statistical Commission (NSC) created a dual advisory structure that led to confusion and inefficiencies in the management of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys.
The overlapping responsibilities of these two bodies necessitated a more integrated approach to statistical oversight and coordination.
To address this, the government has decided to dissolve the SCoS and replace it with a new Steering Committee.

New Steering Committee

The new Steering Committee will be chaired by Professor Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, who also serves as the Chairman of the NSC.
The membership of the Steering Committee will consist of the same experts from the former SCoS, ensuring continuity and expertise in the transition.
Census Responsibilities
- It is important to note that the responsibility for conducting the national census does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the NSC, or the NSSO.
- The Population Registrar General, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the designated authority for all census-related matters.

Statistical Setup

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) came into existence in 1999.
It serves as the central nodal agency for the country’s official statistics system.
It attaches considerable importance to coverage and quality aspects of statistics released in the country.
The Ministry has two wings
- Statistics: The Statistics Wing re-designated as National Statistics Office (NSO) consists of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
  - CSO is an attached Office and NSSO is subordinate Office under the control of Ministry of S&PI.
Programme Implementation: The Programme Implementation Wing has three Divisions, namely,
(i) Twenty Point Programme.
(ii) Infrastructure and Project Monitoring
(iii) Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.

About National Statistical Office (NSO)

Established in: 2005
The NSO is part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
It collects, analyzes, and publishes statistical data on the country's population, economy, and society.