Question : India Statistical Strengthening Project

(a) whether statistical system is weak for district level data and data are not reliable enough to form a good basis for policy;

(b) if so, whether the Government is implementing India Statistical Strengthening Project (ISSP) for improving statistical system;

(c) if so, the details thereof including funds allocated to participating States and the progress made under the project during the last three years;

(d) the details of posts lying vacant in offices working under the Ministry and steps taken to fill them up; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government for development of statistical system in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS [SHRI VIJAY GOEL]

(a) The statistical system at district level is mainly within the ambit of State Governments. Due to differences in the levels of development of the system at district level, strengths and weakness are assessed from time to time by States for making data available for better policy formulation.

(b) Yes, Madam.

(c) The India Statistical Strengthening Project, presently known as Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme, is being implemented in States who have signed Memorandum of Understanding to improve their statistical systems in respect of matters covered under the Scheme. Fourteen States are presently participating in the Scheme. An amount of Rs.264.52 crore has been released to them so far, out of which 84.7% has been utilised till 28th February, 2018. The funds are mainly utilised for compilation of local level statistics, creation of integrated State databases, conducting type studies and surveys to address data gaps, compilation of core indicators such as Consumer Price Index and State level Index of Industrial Production, conducting workshops and training programmes for statistical personnel, and strengthening of physical and IT infrastructure.

(d): The statistical posts in the Ministry are manned by officers of Indian Statistical Service (ISS) and Subordinate Statistical Service (SSS). At present, 958 of these posts are vacant. Action is taken from time to time to fill up the vacancies as per due process.

(e): The steps taken from time to time by the Government to improve the statistical system include revision of base year of national accounts and short-term economic indicators, conducting surveys to address data gaps, bringing into use administrative statistics, promoting use of information technology in statistical activities and strengthening statistical co-ordination.

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