| National Statistical Office (NSO): • The NSO is tasked with planning and coordinating the integrated development of India’s national statistical system. • Established in 2019, it resulted from the merger of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistical Office (CSO). National Statistical Commission (NSC): • Formed based on the recommendations of the Rangarajan Commission, the NSC was created to enhance the quality and credibility of statistical data in India. • It functions as an advisory body aimed at improving the country’s statistical system. |
- The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS).
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) cited an overlap between the SCoS and the Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys (NSS)’s work, which was created based on recommendations from the National Statistical Commission (NSC).
- The SCoS, chaired by an eminent economist had raised concerns about the delay in conducting the Census. The Census remains unnotified after its postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Census, last conducted in 2011, has been delayed since 2021 due to the pandemic, and the Centre has yet to provide a roadmap.
| Census Data | Administrative Data (EPFO, RBI etc.) |
| Offers comprehensive, sub-district-level information. | Threshold-based and prone to manipulation. Limited in analytical rigour and coverage. |
| Survey-based data provides universal coverage, essential for accurate policymaking. | Provides insights into employment from sources like EPFO and RBI. |
Dig Deeper: Read about institutions responsible for conducting the Census.
