Indian Statistical System

• These study notes are based on the provided document.

Introduction

• Collection of numerical data helps in understanding various socio-economic variables, historically used to describe a state.
• A strong statistical system is essential for decision-making and monitoring public policies.
• India's statistical system features both decentralized and centralized operations.
• Large-scale statistical operations include Population Census, Economic Census, and nationwide sample surveys.
• The Indian Statistical System aims to improve credibility, timeliness, and adequacy.
• A five-fold remedial approach was adopted to address problems in the system.
• Reform the administrative structure and infrastructure.
• Improve the present data collection system.
• Explore alternative techniques for data collection.
• Identify new data series for the expanding economy.
• Evolve appropriate data collection methodologies for new data needs.

Know Your Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

• The launch of the first National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950 marked the beginning of organised data collection.
• The National Income Committee, led by P.C. Mahalanobis in 1951, established the basis for national income estimation.
• The Central Statistical Organization (CSO) was formed to lead the statistical infrastructure.
• In 1954, the CSO merged with the Finance Ministry's National Income Unit.
• The CSO took on responsibility for planning-related statistics.
• In 1957, the NSS Directorate was placed under the Cabinet Secretariat, and the CSO took responsibility for coordinating its activities.
• The Industrial Statistics Wing merged into the CSO in 1959.
• The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) was launched in 1959 to provide consistent industrial data.
• The Department of Statistics (DoS) was established in 1961, integrating the CSO and NSS Directorate.
• The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) cadre and the Sample Registration System (SRS) were created in 1964, providing reliable birth and death data.
• A computer centre was established in 1967 under the DoS for data processing.
• The DoS was incorporated into the Ministry of Planning in 1973.
• The Ministry of Programme Implementation was created in 1985 to monitor infrastructure projects.
• MPLADS, launched in 1993 under the Ministry of Rural Development, was transferred to the Ministry of Programme Implementation in 1994.
• The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation was established in 1999 by merging the Department of Statistics and the Department of Programme Implementation.
• The National Statistics Office (NSO), the Computer center, and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) made up the Statistics Wing.
• The Programme Implementation Wing had three Divisions: Twenty Point Programme, Infrastructure Monitoring and Project Monitoring, and Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.
• The National Statistical Commission and the Indian Statistical Institute were created, enhancing the system.
• The Indian Statistical Institute was declared an institute of National importance by an Act of Parliament in 1959.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation focuses on the coverage and quality of statistics.
• Statistics are driven from admin sources, surveys, and censuses conducted by Central & State Governments and non-official sources.
• Surveys are based on scientific sampling methods with data collected by dedicated field staff.
• Methodological issues in compiling national accounts are supervised by multiple committees.
• Advisory Committee on National Accounts (ACNAS).
• Standing Committee on Industrial Statistics.
• Technical Advisory Committee on Price Indices,.
• Current data application with data standardization techniques and supervision are done by the ministry.
• India subscribes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS).
• An 'Advance Release Calendar' for data categories covered under SDDS is maintained by the Ministry.
• The data is disseminated on the Ministry's website and the IMF's Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board (DSBB).
• Data covered under the Real Sector of SDDS is released through press notes and the website.
• Technical meetings are organized regularly to assess data-gaps and the quality of statistics released.
• The Indian statistical system is considered one of the best globally.
• Ministry officials collaborate with international agencies on methodologies in National Accounts, informal sector, sample surveys etc.

National Statistics Office (NSO)

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) coordinates statistical activities and evolves standards nationally.
• Its activities include the compilation of National Accounts and the Index of Industrial Production.
• It formulates Consumer Price Indices, Labour Force Statistics, and Human Development Statistics including Gender Statistics.
• The NSO supports statistical development in States and Union Territories.
• The Energy, Social and Environmental Statistics are disseminated, and the National Industrial Classification prepared.

NSO Responsibilities

• Serves as the main agency for planned statistical system development, setting and maintaining standards.
• Coordinates statistical work with Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and State Statistical Bureaus, offering advice on statistical methodology.
• Prepares national accounts and publishes annual estimates, including state-level estimates.
• Liaises with international statistical organizations like UNSD, ESCAP, SIAP, IMF, ADB, FAO, and ILO.
• Compiles and releases the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) monthly; conducts the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).
• Organizes and conducts periodic all-India Economic Censuses and follow-up enterprise surveys.
• Conducts All-India sample surveys to study the impact of specific problems in socio-economic areas.
• Examines survey reports and evaluates sampling designs for surveys by the National Sample Survey and other Central Ministries and Departments.
• Disseminates statistical information through publications to government, semi-government, and private users.
• Releases grants-in-aid to registered Non-Governmental Organizations and research institutions for special studies, statistical reports, and seminars.
• The NSO is divided into 3 wings headed by a Director General (DG).
• Central Statistics (CS)
• National Sample Survey (NSS)
• Data Governance (DG)

Central Statistics

• The Central Statistics wing, previously known as the Central Statistics Office (CSO), operates under the Ministry of Statistics.
• Coordinates statistical activities, evolving and maintaining standards in India.
• Acts as the main agency for statistical system development; defines standards, data collection methodology, and dissemination.
• It coordinates statistical work with government departments and State Statistical Bureaus, advising on statistical methodology.
• Compiles and releases the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) monthly, assessing changes in manufacturing.
• Organizes India Economic Censuses and enterprise surveys, providing data processing facilities.
• Disseminates statistical information through publications and provides data to international agencies like UNSD, ESCAP and ILO.
• Maintains liaison with international statistical organizations, including the United Nations Statistical Division, and the IMF.
• The Central Statistics wing consists of four Divisions, each headed by an Additional Director General (ADG).
• Economic Statistics Division (ESD)
• National Accounts Division (NAD)
• Social Statistics Division (SSD)
• Price Statistics Division (PSD)

Economic Statistics Division (ESD)

• Responsible for releasing the Monthly Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• It Updates the National Industrial Classification (NIC) and National Product Classification (NPC) for manufacturing and service sectors.
• It conducts the Economic Census (annual), publishes energy Statistics India, and releases National factsheets on the Indian Economy.

National Accounts Division (NAD)

• Compiles and disseminates macroeconomic aggregates.
• Publications/releases of NAD are National Accounts Statistics, Advance, Quarterly & Revised estimates of GDP & GVA, Private Final Consumption Expenditure, etc.
• Capacity building of State Governments is done for regional accounts preparation and facilitates the compilation of State and District level estimates.

Social Statistics Division (SSD)

• Monitors and compiles SDGs.
• Annual progress reports of SDGs.
• Releases social statistics publications.

Price Statistics Division (PSD)

• Compiles price indices on a monthly basis (e.g., CPI – Rural & Urban).
• Provides inputs for prices of different commodities and services under the International Comparison Program (ICP) of UNSC and World Bank.

National Sample Survey (NSS)

• The National Sample Survey (NSS) was previously known as the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• Headed by a Director General.
• Responsible for conducting large-scale sample surveys.
• Primary data are collected nationwide via household surveys on socio-economic topics.
• NSS collects Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data .
• Provides follow up of the Economic Census and its enterprise surveys.
• NSS gathers data on rural and urban prices.
• Plays a significant role in improving crop statistics by supervising area enumeration and crop estimation surveys.
• Maintains a frame of urban area units for sample surveys.
• NSS implements the 'Strengthening of Survey Capabilities of NSSO' plan.
• Finances 5 NE States: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Divisions of NSS

• The NSS is divided into four divisions, each headed by an Additional Director General (ADG).
• Household Survey Division (HSD)
• Enterprise Survey Division (EnSD)
• Field Operations Division (FOD)
• Coordination and Quality Control Division (C&QCD)

Household Survey Division (HSD)

• HSD, also known as the Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD).
• Responsible for the technical planning of household-based surveys, concepts, sampling design , and presenting results.
• HSD covers:
• Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).
• Land Holding Survey (LHS).
• Situation Assessment Survey (SAS).
• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
• Time Use Survey (TUS).
• Surveys on Health.
• Migration surveys.
• NSS Rounds.
• Rural Price Collection (RPC).

Enterprise Survey Division (EnSD)

• EnSD merges the Data Processing Division (DPD) and Industrial Statistics (IS) Wing of CSO.
• Responsible for technical planning enterprise surveys.
• EnSD covers:
• Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).
• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).
• Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises (ASSSE).
• Forward Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions.
• Ad-hoc/ Short-term surveys.

Field Operations Division (FOD)

• FOD is headed by an ADG level officer.
• Its headquarters are in Delhi/Faridabad, with a network of 52 Regional Offices.
• It has a network of 117 Sub-Regional Offices are spread throughout country.
• Responsible for primary data collection for surveys undertaken by MoSPI.
• The Agricultural Statistics Wing of FOD in Faridabad provides technical guidance.

Coordination and Quality Control Division (C&QCD)

• C&QCD, also known as the Survey Coordination Division (SCD).
• Headed by an ADG level officer in New Delhi with 6 Zonal Offices.
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality of NSS Surveys.
• Functions as Secretariat to DG(NSS)., coordinates all the activities of different Divisions of NSSO.
• Publishes “Sarvekshana”.
• Organizes National Seminars on various Socio-economic surveys by NSSO.
• Acts as a nodal point for Inter Ministerial consultations and Cabinet Notes related to NSS.
• Conducts Data User Conferences to engage stakeholders and enhance understanding of survey findings and data.

Data Processing Centers (DPC)

• There were six DPCs under the Data Processing Division (DPD).
• These units managed sample selection, software, validation, and data tabulation
• The DPCs are now distributed between Household Survey Division and Enterprise Survey Division.

Data Governance

• The wing of NSO, known as Coordination & Administration (C&A), is headed by a Director General.
• It manages the general coordination, administration, and training of the Ministry.
• The Data Governance Wing has five Divisions, each led by an Additional Director General.

Capacity Development Division

• Capacity Development Division (including NSSTA) ,earlier known as Training Division, includes the National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA).
• catering to the training needs of officers of Ministry, its line departments, Officials of Central & State Government.
• International participants in the field of Official Statistics are included.

National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA)

• NSSTA, formerly known as NASA, came into existence on February 13, 2009.
• It fosters human resource development in Official Statistics.
• The academy builds capacities in official statistics.
• It is involved in International activities.
• Its aim its to create a training pool and and facilitate data collection.
• It aims to train both stat and non-stat personnel in undertaking monitoring.
• It aims to develop course material collaborating with academicians.

Coordination & International Cooperation Unit (CICD)

• Coordinates with government bodies and international entities on statistical issues.
• CICD has three units:
• Coordination Unit (CU)
• International Cooperation Unit (ICU)
• State Unit (SU)
• The Coordination Unit (CU) coordinates all budgetary matters for the CD Scheme and handles matters related to parliamentary procedures.
• It helps in the National Policy on Official Statistics and organizing the COCSSO.
• The International Cooperation Unit (ICU) deals with international coordination efforts for meetings like the UNSC and UN-ESCAP.
• It involved in processing MoU requests with MEA, DEA, and MHA, coordinating with the DGI Secretariat, and various other initiatives.
• The State Unit (SU) implements the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and the NQAF.
• It has responsibilities such as coordination with States/UTs for Finance Commission matters and the Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework (OOMF).

Administrative Statistics & Policy Division (ASPD)

• ASPD (formerly PIMD) was established in driving data governance.
• Develops strategies for data governance and action plans.
• ASPD leads inter-ministerial efforts and ensures quality standards.
• The Division coordinates with the (NSO) Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) by NITI Aayog.
• National Meta Data Structure (NMDS) Data Dissemination formulated by ASPD.
• ASP D establishes min quality standards

Data Informatics & Innovation Division (DIID)

• DIID, known as the Computer Centre, was created in 1967.
• DIID focuses on digital transformation, tech support, cyber security, website, and surveys.
• Formulates digital framework, advises divisions, sets cyber guidelines, updates the website etc.

Subordinate Statistical Service Division

• The SSS Division manages service-related affairs, including recruitment and posting, for the Subordinate Statistical Service of MoSPI.
• The SSS cadre was started 12th February 2002.
• Its aim is to build statistical database for the Indian economy.
• The SSS serves as a feeder cadre for the ISS.

Programme Implementation (PI) Wing

• It helps to match monitoring with coordination.
• It provides efficiency and lower costs.
• Monitoring the performance of the country's 11 key infrastructure sectors (IPMD).
• It monitors Central Sector Projects costing Rs. 150 crore.
• Also monitors for Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division (IPMD)

• Provides project management.
• It is the apex monitoring institution.
• Monitors sector projects costing more than Rs 150 Crores in 16 infrastructure sectors.
• It is a monitor of the implementation of projects and infrastructure performance.
• Reports published by IPMD includes a "Flash Report on Projects costing Rs.150 crore and above ".

Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Division

• MPLADS Division monitors MPLAD Scheme, launched December 23, 1993.
• It addresses community needs and gaps.
• Each MP is allocated Rs. 5 Crore annually for carrying out development activities.
• These are carried out by District Authorities.
• MoSPI has deployed the eSAKSHI portal which launched the MPLAD Scheme.

Indian Statistical Service Division

• ISS section is Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) for ISS officers.
• Recruits for promotion.
• The Indian Statistical Service was created on November 1, 1961.
• The Ministry of Statistics acts as the Cadre Controlling Authority of Indian Statistical Service.
• The Ministry recruits, promotes, and trains in accordance with ISS Rules, 2016.
• The first examination to enter into the service was held in 1967.
• Till date, 46 batches of direct recruits of ISS have joined the service.
• Ministries/Departments/Organizations distributes the ISS grades.

Research & Analysis Unit (RAU)

• Sets up in house capacity for research and data analytics.
• Mandated to encourage Institutes for research work.
• It aims to implement evidence based decisions.

Media & Publicity Unit (MPU)

• Publicises at the National level of all the Statistical products.
• Creates awareness among citizens.

Indian Statistical Institute

• The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was started December 17, 1931.
• Recognized and amended December 1959.
• The Indian Statistical Institute (Amendment) Act No.38 enabled the Institute to award diplomas.
• Researches practically, with a special development in statistics.
• It has four other centres as well as service units of Statistical Quality Control and Operations Research Division.
• Fully funded by the Government of India.
• Offers a B.Stat (Hons) and M stats degree.
• The aim of the centre is to providde training in theoretical and applied statistics. The R.C. Bose Centre for Cryptology and Security (RCBCCS) promotes for for teaching, research and training in Cryptology and Cyber Security.
• A Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML).
• Recognizing the societal commitments to environmental sciences, a Centre for Research on the Economics of Climate, Food, Energy and Environment (CECFEE) was established.
• The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH), IDEAS (Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation), is a Section-8 not-for-profit company incorporated.
• The Associate Institution, “Center for Soft Computing Research: A National Facility", established in 2004.

Budget and Finance Division

• The Integrated Finance Division (IFD) works under the budget, finance and internal audit.
• procurement of goods and services is done.

Administration/General Administration

• This is all looked after by a Joint Secretary.
• The Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) section.
• There is a Vigilance section .
• There is an Administration Section.
• Cash related matters Cash Section.
• The Official Language section aims at the implementation in MoSPI.
• Parliament Cell deals_with Rajya secretiats.
• There is a Standing Committee on Finance.

National Statistical Commission (NSC)

• Established June the 1st 2005.
• Initially was constituted on 12th July, 2006.
• The Chief Statistician of India is the Secretary to the NSC.
• Members of designations are appointed that follows.