(a) whether any special method has been evolved by the National Sample Survey for
gathering data about the poor in its consumer surveys;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the methods by which the Government assesses the income and expenditure of the poor and prepares schemes for poverty alleviation and development in the absence of such data?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a ) to (d) The methodology adopted by NSSO in its consumer expenditure survey
assign due weightage to all socio-economic groups to ensure their adequate
representation. The methodology consists of the following:
(i) Selection of a sample of villages and urban blocks in accordance with a
scientific sampling scheme.
(ii) Selection of sample of households from each selected village and urban block,
ensuring adequate representation of all socio-economic groups.
(iii) Collection of data on household consumer expenditure by interview method from each
selected household.
(iv) The schemes for the poor are generally take into account the result of the consumer
expenditure surveys conducted by the NSSO. The schemes are prepared by the Ministries
of Rural Development and Urban Development in consultation with Planning Commission and
Ministry of Finance.