TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY
THE CONTEXT: The recent appointments of A Ganesh Kumar and Debasis Kundu to the National Statistical Commission mark a significant step towards strengthening India’s statistical infrastructure.
EXPLANATION:
- It highlights the importance of the National Statistical Commission, the role of its newly appointed members, and the broader context of reforms in the country’s statistical system.
National Statistical Commission
- The Government of India through a resolution dated 1st June, 2005 set up the National Statistical Commission (NSC).
- It is an autonomous organization which works under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- The setting up of the NSC followed the decision of the Cabinet to accept the recommendations of the Rangarajan Commission, which reviewed the Indian Statistical System in 2001.
- The NSC was constituted with effect from 12th July 2006 with a mandate to evolve policies, priorities and standards in statistical matters.
- The NSC has four Members besides a Chairperson, each having specialization and experience in specified statistical fields.
- Its mandate includes enhancing the quality of statistical surveys, suggesting standards, and coordinating with various departments to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
- The primary purpose of the National Statistical Commission is to serve as the nodal body for basic statistical activities in India.
- It sets standards for statistical surveys, recommends methodologies for data collection, and fosters coordination among different government departments.
- Over the years, the commission has played a vital role in shaping the country’s statistical policies and practices.
Manner of selection of part-time Chairman and Members of the NSC and the Chief Statistician of India:
- The Chairman, Members and Chief Statistician of India will be selected on the basis of the recommendations of a Search Committee duly constituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for the purpose.
- The Search Committee shall recommend names of three persons to the Government of India for selection as Chairperson and one of them would be nominated as the Chairperson.
- The Search Committee shall also recommend the names of two persons from each of the four categories of fields of specialization and names of two persons for Chief Statistician of India.
- The Government of India shall nominate one member from each of the categories and one person as the Chief Statistician of India and appoint them.
Resignation, Removal etc. of a Chairperson or a Member
- The Chairperson and any other member, may, by notice in writing under his hand address to the President, resign his post.
- Notwithstanding this, the President may by order remove from office the Chairperson or a Member if he/she
- Is adjudged an insolvent or
- Gets convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which in the opinion of the President involves moral turpitude or
- Is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body or
- If in the opinion of the President has so abused his/her position has to render that persons continuance in office detrimental to the interest of the statistical system, or
- Becomes an un-discharged solvent and
- Refuses to act or becomes incapable of acting.
Recent Initiatives and Committees
- In the past year, the commission has undertaken several initiatives to improve survey processes and enhance the quality of statistical data.
- This includes the establishment of expert committees to address issues such as the integration of technology into surveys, sampling methodologies, and statistical methods.
- These efforts underscore the commission’s commitment to modernizing India’s statistical infrastructure.
Context of Reforms in Statistical System
- The appointments of new members come at a time when there are calls for reforming India’s statistical system.
- The Prime Minister’s recent meeting to discuss the overhaul of the statistical system reflects the government’s recognition of the need for modernization and strengthening of statistical infrastructure.
- Empowering the National Statistical Commission is seen as a crucial step in this direction.
Future Directions
- As India continues to evolve economically and socially, the role of accurate and reliable statistical data becomes increasingly critical.
- The National Statistical Commission, with its newly appointed members, is poised to lead the country towards a more robust and transparent statistical framework.
- By leveraging expertise, embracing technological advancements, and fostering collaboration, the commission can contribute significantly to evidence-based policymaking and national development.