The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently unveiled a draft of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) Bill for public consultation. The primary aim of this impending legislation is to reconstitute the NSC as an autonomous, nodal and statutory body entrusted with all core statistical activities. The bill also aims to make the NSC into a corporate entity, thereby strengthening its legal standing that it currently lacks.
Background: Formation of the NSC
The National Statistical Commission (NSC) was established by the Government of India on June 1st, 2005, following a resolution. This decision was driven by the recommendations put forward by the Rangarajan Commission during their comprehensive review of the Indian Statistical System in 2001.
Present Structure and Composition of the NSC
The NSC is composed of a part-time Chairperson and four part-time members, each of whom possesses expertise and experience in certain statistical fields. Additionally, there is also an ex-officio member. The Chief Statistician of India functions as the Secretary of the Commission and is concurrently serving as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Mandate and Functions of the NSC
The NSC is mandated with formulating policies, setting priorities, and establishing standards in matters related to statistics. This includes enhancing the quality of data in statistical products and processes. To achieve this, the NSC collaborates closely with statistical agencies at both the central and state government levels to ensure effective implementation of its guidelines.
Despite not having executive powers, the NSC has a significant role as an advisory body. By facilitating strategic evolution within the national statistical system, the NSC is instrumental in improving its functioning.
Transformation through the NSC Bill
The proposed NSC Bill is an attempt to strengthen the commission’s position, converting it from a recommending body to a statutory one. The aim is to make it the single overarching organization responsible for all core statistical activities across the nation.
The bill also seeks to provide the NSC with corporate status, enhancing its overall legal standing and reinforcing its authority. This transformation is expected to enable the NSC to perform its duties more effectively and implement changes more efficiently in order to fulfill its collective objective of improving India’s statistical system.
The draft NSC Bill presents a significant step towards strengthening and improving the national statistical system’s capabilities. As it opens up for public consultation, it is hoped that the feedback received will further refine the bill, ensuring that it robustly equips the NSC to enhance the quality, reliability and credibility of India’s statistical data.
