THE CONTEXT: The dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has raised concerns about data collection and policymaking in India. This move, attributed to overlapping roles with the new Steering Committee, comes amid growing pressure for a new census and questions about the reliability of administrative data.
SCoS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Advised the government on survey methodology, including sampling frames, sampling design, survey instruments, and questions
- Played a vital role in finalizing tabulation plans for surveys
- Reviewed existing frameworks and addressed issues related to survey subjects, results, and methodologies
- Guided conducting pilot surveys and pre-testing
- Explored the use of administrative statistics related to surveys
- Identified data gaps and additional data requirements
- Provided technical guidance to central and state agencies for conducting surveys
FUNCTIONS OF NEW STEERING COMMITTEE:
- The committee consists of 17 members and one non-member secretary.
- It retained at least four members from the previous SCoS and has a 2-year tenure.
- The committee’s terms of reference are like the SCoS, including reviewing survey methodologies, results, sampling, and more.
- It will advise the Ministry on survey methodology and finalize tabulation plans.
- The committee has more official members than the SCoS, which had several non-official members.
THE ISSUES:
- Overlapping Roles: The primary reason cited for the SCoS’s dissolution was the overlap of its responsibilities with the newly formed Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys. Both committees were tasked with advising on survey methodologies, including sampling frames and survey instruments, and finalizing tabulation plans for surveys.
- Pressure for a New Census: There is significant pressure to conduct a new census due to the reliance on outdated data from the 2011 census. The delay in the 2021 census, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to impact the accuracy of data used for policymaking. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of schemes like the National Food Security Act, as the absence of updated census data affects the distribution of benefits.
- Flaws in Administrative Data: Administrative data, often used without fresh census data, is criticized for being threshold-based and susceptible to manipulation. This data type may not accurately reflect the employment scenario and lacks the comprehensive coverage of census data.
- The urgency of the Next Census: The delay in conducting the next census is seen as urgent because relying on data from 2011 negatively impacts decision-making. Economists and policymakers argue that updated census data is essential for effective policy formulation, particularly for providing detailed state and sub-district level information on issues such as education and employment.
- Impact on Statistical Data Quality: The dissolution of the SCoS amid ongoing census delays raises concerns about the availability of reliable and updated data, which is crucial for evidence-based policymaking. Relying on outdated data can hinder the government’s ability to effectively address issues like employment, poverty, and social welfare.
- Need for comprehensive data: The census provides more detailed state and sub-district-level data on education and employment, which other surveys, like the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), cannot offer.
- Response to Criticism: The formation of the new Steering Committee appears to be a response to criticisms of India’s statistical system. The new committee aims to address survey-related issues more effectively than the SCoS could. It includes more official members, potentially influencing the dynamics and perspectives within the committee.
- Composition and mandate of the new Steering Committee: There are concerns about the new committee having more official members than the SCoS, which had several non-official members, potentially affecting its independence and perspectives.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Conduct the census urgently: Noted economist Jean Drèze states, “Without a census, we are flying blind on many crucial issues.” Set a firm timeline to conduct the census within the next 12 months, leveraging technology for faster data collection and processing.
- Establish an independent statistical authority: Create an autonomous body to oversee national statistical activities, free from political interference. The UK’s Office for National Statistics operates independently to maintain public trust in official statistics. Pass legislation to establish an Indian Statistical Authority with constitutional backing.
- Enhance transparency in statistical processes: Improve openness around methodologies, raw data, and decision-making in statistical bodies. Statistics Canada makes microdata files available to researchers through Research Data Centres. Mandate publication of methods and anonymized raw data for all significant government surveys.
- Modernize data collection methods: Adopt cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data gathering. Implement a hybrid digital-physical census model using mobile apps and pre-filled online forms.
- Strengthen state statistical capabilities: Empower state statistical agencies to conduct more localized surveys and analyses. The Economic Advisory Council recommends strengthening state statistical systems for more granular data. Provide technical and financial support to upgrade state statistical infrastructure and skills.
- Improve coordination between statistical bodies: Enhance collaboration between various agencies to reduce duplication and improve data quality. NITI Aayog suggests creating “a unified National Data Grid for better data integration.” Establish a high-level inter-agency statistical coordination committee representing all significant data-producing ministries.
THE CONCLUSION:
The urgency of conducting a new census is underscored by the limitations of relying on outdated 2011 data. As India grapples with these statistical challenges, comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date data remains crucial for informed policy-making and effective governance.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. 2023
Q.2 Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. 2021
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 The delay in conducting the national census has raised concerns about the quality and reliability of statistical data in India. Critically examine the implications of these developments for evidence-based policymaking.
SOURCE:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-does-dissolution-of-scos-entail/article68633981.ece
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