Strategic Advances in India's Statistical Operations
India celebrates National Statistics Day on June 29 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the illustrious Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, whose pioneering contributions have profoundly shaped modern statistical practices in India. His visionary approach not only revolutionised the field of statistics but also laid the groundwork for data-driven decision-making that continues to drive the nation's progress. The theme for National Statistics Day, 2024 is, ‘Use of data for decision-making’. The concept of data driven decision making is important for making informed decision in any field and it is one of the most essential skills required for better understanding of statistical information emanating from official statistics and for facilitating evidence-based decision making.
As we honour Prof. Mahalanobis's enduring legacy, we also celebrate the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the vanguard of statistical governance in India. MoSPI stands as a beacon of excellence, steadfast in its commitment to harnessing innovative methodologies and advanced technologies to fortify the country's statistical infrastructure.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, Government of India, in an exclusive interview with Shri Ambrish Kishore, Sr. Editor, Employment News, elaborates how MoSPI's proactive measures are not only enhancing the accuracy and reliability of statistical data but also empowering policymakers and stakeholders with crucial insights for informed decision-making. Excerpts from his interview:
Q: How does MoSPI incorporate modern technology and innovative practices to improve the efficiency and quality of statistical operations?
A: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is really pushing the envelope with cutting-edge technology to make sure our statistical operations are top-notch. For instance, we've adopted the Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) method, where our surveyors use android tablets. These tablets are not just for data collection; they're linked to our electronic-Survey Information Gathering and Monitoring Application (e-sigma) platform, a dedicated system for National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys. This setup includes different modules for everyone involved-enumerators, supervisors, data supervisors- to ensure data quality right from collection through to scrutiny. It speeds up the process of consolidating survey data, getting results out faster than ever.
We've also developed our own software for compiling crucial stats like Consumer Price Index (CPI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These tools aren't off-the-shelf; they're tailor-made by our own officers. And to beef up our data, we're tapping into existing databases like digital financial returns, Public Financial Management System (PFMS), and Goods and Services Tax (GST). This helps us churn out robust National Accounts Estimates that decision-makers can rely on.
And let's not forget our Data Portal, e-Sankhyiki. It's a game-changer, offering a treasure trove of stats on everything from National Account Statistics to the Consumer Price Index. You can dig into more than 1.7 million records spanning the past decade. We've upgraded our website with handy tools like the National Industrial Classification (NIC) code finder and a map view to locate NSSO field offices. It's all about making data accessible and user-friendly for everyone who needs it.
Q: Could you elaborate on the MoU between MoSPI and ISRO's NRSC for the Urban Frame Survey?
A: MoSPI inked this MoU in February 2024 with ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to revolutionise our Urban Frame Survey (UFS), a crucial tool for our large-scale socio-economic surveys in urban areas. This survey acts as a sampling frame, helping us gather accurate data once every five years.
Now, here's where it gets exciting: We've moved the UFS into the digital realm using ISRO's Bhuvan platform since the Phase 2017-22. This shift allows us to harness the power of high-resolution satellite imagery for more precise mapping and boundary delineation of urban blocks and towns.
And, we're not stopping there. We're rolling out a mobile application that'll let us geo-tag data collected during UFS surveys. Plus, we're launching a web portal to visualise this data and manage it through system-generated scrutiny and editing. To handle the complex task of accessing polygons captured via the mobile app, we've developed a Quantum GIS (QGIS) plug-in.
But it's not just about technology; it's about people too. NRSC will help build the capacity of our NSSO officials, ensuring they're equipped to handle this cutting-edge approach. This collaboration is a major leap forward, transforming our UFS from analogue to digital. It's all about improving the quality and timeliness of our urban frame updates, ultimately giving us better insights into urban dynamics across the country.
Q: How does MoSPI ensure that its data collection and analysis meet contemporary standards?
A: We place a strong emphasis on upholding the highest standards in our statistical operations by adhering to global best practices. A pivotal initiative in this regard involves tailoring the United Nations' Quality Assurance Framework to establish our Internal Quality Assessment Framework. This framework ensures that every phase of our statistical processes maintains rigorous quality standards.
When it comes to estimating significant indicators such as GDP, CPI, and IIP, we prioritise accuracy and reliability. We strictly follow international guidelines prescribed by esteemed organisations like the IMF and the UN, utilising frameworks like the System of National Accounts 2008 and the Consumer Price Index Manual to ensure consistency in our data.
Currently, we are actively engaged in updating the base year for CPI from 2012 to 2024, leveraging insights from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey conducted between 2022 and 2023. This meticulous updating process ensures that our economic indicators remain relevant and precise.
Beyond numerical accuracy, collaboration is key. We work closely with expert committees comprising representatives from various ministries, the RBI, academia, and other stake-holders. These collaborations help us refine our survey schedules and ensure that each survey addresses pertinent issues with the benefit of expert insights.
To continuously enhance our capabilities, MoSPI operates the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA). Under the Training Programme Approval Committee (TPAC), NSSTA develops and conducts comprehensive training programmes. These programmes are strategically designed to empower our statistical personnel with the latest skills and knowledge, keeping them at the forefront of statistical practice.
Q: How does the Ministry publish its reports and surveys?
A: We ensure wide dissemination of our survey results and statistical reports. Key findings are shared through fact sheets and press notes, all readily available on MoSPI's website. Our detailed unit-level data and survey reports from NSSO are also accessible to the public.
MoSPI follows the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS) of the IMF. We release important products like GDP, CPI, and IIP according to an Advance Release Calendar (ARC), ensuring timely availability.
Quarterly GDP estimates and other National Accounts Statistics are released on the last working day of the second month after the reference quarter, a month ahead of the deadline as per SDDS. These updates are published via press notes on PIB and our website.
Annually, the 'National Accounts Statistics' publication provides comprehensive dis-aggregated estimates. We also publish state-wise Agriculture Commodities Output values on yearly basis.
Consumer Price Indices and inflation figures are released through press releases on the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and our website on the 12th of each month at 5:30 PM, or the next working day if the 12th falls on a holiday.
Similarly, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is released via press releases on PIB and our website on the 12th of each month at 5:30 PM, or the previous working day if the 12th is a holiday.
To maintain data quality and accessibility, MoSPI has established the National Metadata Structure (NMDS). This framework guides data producers across ministries to maintain uniform quality standards and facilitate easy data sharing and comparisons.
Q: How does MoSPI enhance its capabilities in research and data analytics to foster evidence-based decision-making?
A: At MoSPI, we've established the Research and Analysis Unit (RAU) within our ministry with a clear focus on enhancing our capacity for research and data analytics. The RAU serves as an institutional mechanism aimed at promoting evidence-based decision-making across various sectors.
Our commitment to accessibility extends to data visualisation on our ministry's website, which allows stakeholders and users to easily and quickly access a wealth of data and information. This visual representation enhances under-standing and usability of our statistical outputs.
We believe in active engagement with stakeholders, which is why we organise Data Users' Conferences. These conferences play a crucial role in incorporating feedback and requirements from stakeholders into our processes and products. This inclusive approach ensures that our statistical outputs meet the needs of those who rely on them for evidence-based policy making and public discourse.
We've chosen 'Use of Data for Decision Making' as the theme for Statistics Day 2024, celebrated on June 29, 2024. This underscores our commitment to highlighting the pivotal role of data in shaping informed decisions across various domains.
Q: MoSPI has recently been elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission. What role will MoSPI play in defining international standards for official statistics?
A: Indeed, it's a matter of pride for us. India has secured a seat on the UN Statistical Commi-ssion for the term 2024-2027, marking our return after nearly two decades. During the recent 55th session of the UN Statistical Commission held in New York, India played a pivotal role in the adoption of a significant resolution to increase the Commission's membership from 24 to 54 countries. This expansion aims to enhance inclusivity, particularly benefiting developing countries like ours.
As a member of the UN Statistical Commission, India is committed to collaborating with other National Statistical Offices (NSOs), especially those from the Global South, to strengthen their statistical systems. Drawing on our rich statistical heritage, we aim to contribute significantly to the global statistical system through the sharing of experiences, technical collaborations, and the adoption of innovative technologies.
Looking ahead, we're exploring how India can actively contribute to the agenda of the UN Statistical Commission and other esteemed global institutions in the statistical domain. We're also planning to showcase our ongoing statistical reforms and achievements in future sessions and side events of the Commission to amplify our impact on the international stage.
Q: Is India part of any other regional statistical bodies affiliated with the UN?
A: Yes, India actively participates in several regional statistical bodies under the UN framework. For instance, we were recently re-elected as one of the three Vice Chairs of the Bureau of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Committee on Statistics (CST) for the period from 2022 to 2024. ESCAP serves as a crucial platform for promoting cooperation among its 53 Member States and nine Associate Members in addressing sustainable development challenges across the Asia- Pacific region. The ESCAP Committee on Statistics plays a pivotal role as the highest-level inter-governmental forum for decision-making on statistical matters in our region.
Additionally, India has been re- elected to the Governing Council (GC) of the UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) for the same period. SIAP serves as the training arm of ESCAP, focusing on providing professional statistical training to government officials and others involved in official statistics. Through SIAP, we aim to enhance the capabilities of national government employees in producing, utilising, and disseminating reliable statistics. This training is crucial for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals and development of evidence based policies.
Q: What career opportunities exist in the government sector for those with a background in Statistics? How are the recruitments carried out, and what are the role and scope of these positions?
A: Direct recruitment to the Junior Time Scale of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), an organised Group A service of the Government of India, is conducted through an open competitive examination by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates aged between 21 to 30 years with a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Applied Statistics, or a Master’s degree in these fields from a recognised University, can apply. ISS officers handle data and analysis work in various Government Ministries and field offices across India. Detailed information is available on the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) website (www.mospi.gov.in).
Direct recruitment to the Subordinate Statistical Service (SSS), a Group B service of the Government of India, is conducted through an open competitive examination by the Staff Selection Commission. Candidates not exceeding 30 years of age with a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree from a recognised University, with Statistics, Operations Research, Mathematics, Economics, or Computer Science as a subject, are eligible to apply. SSS officers manage the collection, tabulation, and scrutiny of data and related analysis work in various Government Ministries, including National Sample Survey (NSS) field offices across India. More information can be found on the MoSPI website (www.mospi.gov.in).
Q: Does the MoSPI provide any opportunities for internships and research?
A: The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) offers an internship scheme at various Statistical Offices of the Government of India for post- graduate and research students. Eligible fields include Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Operations Research, Economics, Demography, or any applied field of Statistics from recognised universities or institutions. The internship lasts for 2 months from the date of joining. Interns receive a token stipend of Rs 10,000 (consolidated) at the end of the internship period, equating to Rs 5000 per month. Detailed advertisements regarding this internship are published on the MoSPI website.
Furthermore, the ministry provides grant- in- aid for research studies/project on official statistics under Capacity Development Scheme to the eligible professional / research institutions / organisations engaged in the field of official statistics. The quantum of financial assistance in the case of studies / surveys would be upto a maximum of Rs 20 lakh. For details, please contact Additional Director General, Training Division, MoSPI.
The Ministry has recently published advertisement for engagement of Professionals/ Consultants on contractual basis for its offices located in Delhi and Kolkata. Candidates with Master Degree in Management / Economics / Computer Science /Computer Applications with requisite experience may apply. For details please visit the website of the Ministry (www.mospi.gov.in).
(Interviewed by EN Team. Feedback on this interview can be sent to feedback. employmentnews@gmail.
com)
Views expressed are personal.