Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)

Context: 

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has replaced the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with a Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS).

Background:

• About SCES: The SCES was formed in late 2019 to examine economic indicators related to the industrial sector, services sector, and labor force statistics.
• Limited Purview: The SCES had a restricted scope and focused on datasets like the Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS), Annual Survey of Industries(ASI), Index of Industrial Production(IIP), and Economic Census.
• Non-performance: ‘Data quality issues‘ were cited as the reason why the most recent round of household surveys on consumption expenditure and employment  were withdrawn.
• Broader Mandate of SCoS: To overcome the limitations, the SCoS was established with a wider mandate. 
  • It is responsible for reviewing all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO).

About Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS):

• Mandate: 
  • Reviewing All Surveys: The SCoS is tasked with reviewing the framework and results of all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO). 
  • Data Gap Identification: The SCoS is responsible for identifying data gaps in official statistics. It will pinpoint areas where data is lacking and devise strategies to address these gaps.
  • Exploring Administrative Statistics: The committee is mandated to explore the use of administrative statistics to improve data outcomes. 
  • Technical Advisory Role: The SCoS will provide technical advice to the Ministry on various aspects of surveys, including sampling frame, design, survey methodology, and finalization of results.

Comparison between SCES and SCoS:

News Source: The Hindu