Question : Improving Statistical System

(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/developing statistical system in the country;

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

(d) the details of posts lying vacant in the offices working under the Ministry and the steps taken to fill them up in a time-bound manner?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING [RAO INDERJIT SINGH]

(a) to (c) : The national statistical system in India is decentralised both at the central and state levels and the district level statistical system is within the ambit of the State Government. This Ministry provides technical advice to the State Governments for improving the state statistical systems. The State Governments assess the strengths and weaknesses of the statistical systems from time to time and take steps to improve them. India Statistical Strengthening Project, presently known as Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme, is being implemented in States who have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve their statistical systems in respect of matters covered under the Scheme. MoUs have been signed with 20 participating States/Union Territories. An amount of Rs. 307.87 crore has been released to them so far, out of which 82.07% has been reported to be utilised till 15th July, 2019. 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, 690 out of 3827 posts are vacant. Action is taken from time to time to fill up the vacancies as per due process.


****