Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is a ministry of the Government of India responsible for the development and maintenance of a sound statistical system in the country. The ministry is tasked with collecting, compiling, and disseminating official statistics, as well as monitoring the implementation of various government programmes and schemes. MoSPI plays a crucial role in providing reliable and timely data to support evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.

History

The origins of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation can be traced back to the creation of the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) in 1951. The CSO was established to coordinate and standardize statistical activities across various government agencies. In 1999, the Department of Statistics and the Department of Programme Implementation were merged to form the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Organizational Structure

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is headed by a Cabinet Minister, who is assisted by a Minister of State. The ministry comprises two main wings:

• Statistics Wing: This wing is responsible for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of official statistics. It includes the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), and the Computer Centre.
• Programme Implementation Wing: This wing is responsible for monitoring the implementation of various government programmes and schemes. It includes the Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division (IPMD) and the Twenty Point Programme Division (TPPD).

Key Functions

The main functions of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation include:

• National Accounts: MoSPI is responsible for compiling and publishing the National Accounts Statistics, which provide estimates of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross Value Added (GVA), and other key economic indicators.
• Annual Survey of Industries: The ministry conducts the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), which collects data on the performance of the industrial sector and provides valuable insights into the growth and structure of Indian industries.
• National Sample Surveys: MoSPI, through the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), conducts large-scale sample surveys on various socio-economic aspects, such as employment, consumption, health, and education. These surveys provide critical data for policy formulation and research.
• Price Statistics: The ministry compiles and publishes the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which measure inflation and price levels in the economy.
• Monitoring of Government Programmes: MoSPI monitors the implementation of various government programmes and schemes, such as the Twenty Point Programme, the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), and the Infrastructure Monitoring.
• Capacity Building: The ministry provides training and technical assistance to statistical personnel across various government agencies to enhance the quality and consistency of statistical data.

Major Initiatives

Some of the major initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation include:

• National Statistical Commission: The National Statistical Commission (NSC) was set up in 2006 to serve as an apex advisory body on statistical matters. The NSC provides guidance on statistical priorities, standards, and methodologies.
• National Policy on Official Statistics: In 2019, the ministry released the National Policy on Official Statistics, which aims to strengthen the statistical system in the country and ensure the credibility, reliability, and timeliness of official statistics.
• Data Quality Assurance Framework: MoSPI has developed a Data Quality Assurance Framework (DQAF) to improve the quality and consistency of statistical data across various government agencies.
• Modernization of Statistical System: The ministry has undertaken various initiatives to modernize the statistical system, including the use of technology for data collection and dissemination, the adoption of international standards and best practices, and the strengthening of statistical infrastructure.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation plays a vital role in providing reliable and timely statistical data to support evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in India. Through its various initiatives and programmes, MoSPI has been working towards strengthening the statistical system in the country and ensuring the credibility and reliability of official statistics. As India continues to pursue its development goals, the role of MoSPI in providing high-quality statistical data will remain crucial.