The Government of India has recently put forth a draft National Statistical Commission (NSC) Bill for public commentary. This bill aims at establishing the NSC as an independent and central body responsible for all primary statistical activities within the country.
The Formation of the National Statistical Commission
The inception of the National Statistical Commission was done via a resolution dated 1st June, 2005, initiated by the Government of India. This move was based on the propositions made by the Rangarajan Commission, which conducted a comprehensive review of the Indian Statistical System in 2001. The NSC was officially constituted on the 12th of July, 2006, with the principal task of developing policies, priorities, and standards concerning statistical matters.
Composition and Structure of the National Statistical Commission
The National Statistical Commission is composed of a Chairperson and four additional members. Each member, including the Chairperson, has extensive experience and specialization in specified statistical fields. The Commission’s secretary is the Chief Statistician of India, who plays an integral role in the Commission’s activities.
| Title | Role | Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson, NSC | Head of the Commission | Guide and oversee the activities of the Commission |
| Members, NSC | Part of the Commission | Assist in establishing policies, standards, and priorities |
| Secretary, NSC | (Chief Statistician of India) | Execute the administrative functions |
The Proposed NSC Bill
The draft of the National Statistical Commission Bill, currently available for public comments, is an initiative by the Government to fortify the autonomy and centrality of the NSC in all core statistical activities. By doing this, the Government is hoping to enhance the reliability and quality of statistical data derived from various parts of the country, thereby facilitating more informed decision-making processes.
By establishing the NSC as a nodal and autonomous body, the Bill seeks to empower the Commission with greater authority to direct and manage core statistical work, reducing potential bias and enhancing the credibility of its output. This move is also an acknowledgment of the importance of reliable, high-quality, and independent statistical data in policy-making, planning, and governance in the country.
Significance of the NSC and its Impact
The establishment and strengthening of the NSC through the proposed bill are significant steps towards consolidating and streamlining the statistical system in India. They reflect the Government’s commitment to enhancing transparency, objectivity, and integrity in the country’s data collection and analysis mechanism.
In the long run, a robust and autonomous NSC can contribute to the strategic development and effective implementation of policies at both macro and micro levels. The data generated by the NSC has the potential to inform and influence decision-making in multiple sectors, including health, education, economy, and governance, among others.