Why in news?
National Statistical Commission shows importance, A study by R.B. Barman, the former chairman of the National Statistical Commission shows: it is important to directly address the issues in growth calculations, and also to restore the credibility of the Indian statistical system
Suggestions by Barman
- Mapping the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data, which was used in earlier GDP calculations, with the new corporate affairs ministry data (MCA-21) used in the current GDP calculations.
- This could fill in the gaps and better reconcile GDP and gross state domestic product numbers with old estimates.
- Use of better price deflators in GDP calculations. Deflators are price indices used to adjust GDP for inflation.
- Create regular processes within the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for systematically testing for data consistency.
- The difference between estimates on household consumption based on the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys and the CSO data, which are large and widening over time, need to be addressed.
- The government could develop a well-integrated and advanced information technology infrastructure for producing more insightful and comprehensive macroeconomic data.
- The recent draft National Statistics Bill, if enacted, would improve accountability and credibility of Indian statistics.
Background
MoSPI
- National Statistical Commission shows importance, The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is concerned with coverage and quality aspects of statistics released and the surveys conducted are based on scientific sampling methods.
- MoSPI has two wings, one relating to Statistics and the other Programme Implementation.
- The Statistics Wing called the National Statistical Office(NSO) consists of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Computer center and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
ASI
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
- ASI is principal source of industrial statistics in India.
- ASI is an annual event.
- It facilitates suitable data collection based on appropriate sampling techniques.
- It ensures timely dissemination of statistical information to asses and evaluate the dynamics in composition, growth and structure of organized manufacturing sector.
MCA-21
- MCA21 is an e-Governance initiative of Ministry of Company Affairs (MCA), Government of India.
- It enables an easy and secure access of the MCA services to the corporate entities, professionals and citizens of India.
- It Enables the business community to register a company and file statutory documents quickly and easily.
- It Provides easy access of public documents
- It Helps to Provide faster and effective resolution of public grievances
- It also Helps in easy registration and verification of charges
- It Ensures proactive and effective compliance with relevant laws and corporate governance
- It Also Enables the MCA employees to deliver best of breed services
CSO
- The Central Statistics Office (CSO) coordinates the statistical activities in the country and evolves statistical standards.
- It is a governmental agency in India under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
NSSO
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), formerly called the National Sample Survey Organisation was the largest organisation in India conducting periodic socio-economic surveys.
- The NSSO was set up in 1950 to conduct large-scale sample surveys throughout India. The employees of the NSSO are from the Indian Statistical Service (appointed through the UPSC) and the Subordinate Statistical Service (appointed through the Staff Selection Commission).
