What does dissolution of SCoS entail?

• The recent dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the formation of a new Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys highlights critical changes in India’s approach to data management and statistical oversight.
• This development raises questions about the continuity and effectiveness of statistical guidance and the pressing need for a new census.

Key Responsibilities of the SCoS:

• The SCoS, headed by Pronab Sen, played a crucial role in advising on:
  • Survey Methodology: Overseeing aspects such as sampling frames, survey instruments, and questions.
  • Tabulation and Review: Finalizing tabulation plans, reviewing existing frameworks, and addressing issues related to survey results and methodologies.
  • Guidance and Data Gaps: Offering technical advice on pilot surveys, administrative statistics, and identifying data gaps.

Role of the New Steering Committee:

• The newly established Steering Committee, led by Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, retains several members from the SCoS and has a similar mandate:
  • Methodology and Design: Reviewing and advising on survey methodologies, sampling designs, and questionnaire development.
  • Finalizing Plans: Similar responsibilities in finalizing tabulation plans and providing guidance on surveys.
• The shift from the SCoS to the Steering Committee reflects an attempt to streamline oversight and reduce overlap, though both committees had intersecting mandates. The Steering Committee’s broader inclusion of official members suggests a potentially more integrated approach with government priorities.

Pressure for a New Census:

• There is substantial pressure for conducting a new census due to:
  • Data Gaps: The 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the absence of updated data affects schemes like the National Food Security Act and employment statistics.
  • Current Data Issues: Reliance on outdated 2011 census data hampers effective policymaking. Administrative data from sources like EPFO and ESIC are criticized for being threshold-based and potentially manipulated, failing to provide comprehensive state or district-level insights.

Flaws in Administrative Data:

• Administrative data, while useful, has limitations:
  • Threshold-Based Data: Often reflects only those within specific thresholds, potentially skewing the actual employment scenario.
  • Manipulation Risks: Generated by government agencies, this data may reflect policy intentions rather than an accurate representation of the situation.
  • Lack of Depth: Administrative data often lacks the granularity provided by surveys and censuses, such as district or sub-district level details.

Importance of a New Census:

• The decennial census, a cornerstone of accurate and comprehensive data collection, has been delayed. The last census occurred in 2011, and the lack of updated data impairs:
  • Policy making and Resource Allocation: Accurate census data is crucial for effective decision-making and allocation of resources, especially in areas like education, employment, and public welfare.
  • Sub-District Level Insights: Unlike surveys like the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the census provides detailed sub-district level data, which is vital for targeted interventions and policy planning.

Conclusion:

• The dissolution of the SCoS and the formation of the Steering Committee represent significant changes in India's statistical framework.
• While the new committee aims to address overlaps and streamline processes, the urgency of conducting the next census cannot be overstated.
• The reliance on outdated data and administrative statistics underscores the need for timely and accurate census data to support effective policymaking and address the diverse needs of India’s population.